Messi mis-hit adds gloss to Argentina victory
Argentina remain undefeated in FIFA World Cup qualification, after it defeated Venezuela 3-0 on Saturday (AEDT) in the CONMEBOL group, with captain Lionel Messi scoring the third goal.
In the Albiceleste's first game at La Bombonera since the passing of Diego Maradona, it was a particularly emotional atmosphere, and the already-qualified home side made it 11 wins from 16 qualifiers.
The raucous home support belied the largely lacklustre performance on the pitch, however, with Nicolas Gonzalez's goal giving Argentina breathing room. Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi netted in the final quarter of an hour to seal the win.
The match's complexion was dominated by Argentine possession which did not exactly translate to many chances of substance.
In the opening 30 minutes, the Albiceleste managed three shots for a cumulative xG of 0.07 despite 71 per cent possession.
Yet the game soon opened up in transition, and Argentina could finally attack space that otherwise wasn't presented. From the ensuing chaos, Alexis Mac Allister quickly won back possession and played in Rodrigo De Paul, who then provided the assist across goal for Gonzalez.
Venezuela had an opportunity to equalise in the 39th minute through Josef Martinez with Argentina goalkeeper Franco Armani scrambling, but he put his close-range shot off target from Salomon Rondon's ball.
Martinez again had an opportunity to equalise in the 54th minute, with a free header from close range but missed.
Argentina was able to kill the game off late in the second half through substitute Angel Di Maria, expertly chipping Wuilker Farinez after De Paul's brilliant ball over the top.
Messi then added a third three minutes later in the 82nd minute with a relative mis-hit off his right foot from Di Maria's assist.
Argentina visits Ecuador for its final match next Wednesday (AEDT), the host having also qualified on Friday (AEDT) despite a 3-1 defeat to Paraguay.
