A Lionel Messi penalty saw Argentina to a vital 1-0 win over Chile in CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup qualifying on Friday (AEDT).

The Barcelona star struck from the penalty spot in the 16th minute at Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires.

Messi sent former Barcelona team-mate Claudio Bravo the wrong way with his spot-kick after Jose Fuenzalida had brought down Angel Di Maria in the area.

Chile had earlier had a goal correctly ruled out for offside before Nicolas Otamendi should have doubled Argentina's lead late in the first half.

Alexis Sanchez almost secured a point for Chile just after the hour-mark, only to watch his free-kick smash against the crossbar.

Despite being outplayed in the second half, the hosts held on in a huge result for Edgardo Bauza's men, who rose to third in the table and left Chile in sixth.