In South American qualifying, Argentina hosted Bolivia hoping to register their second win of the week following Thursday's 2-1 victory over Chile.

Captain Lionel Messi wasn't on target in that game but the 28-year-old would be on hand here to put his team in a commanding position to reach Russia in 2 years time and add a personal milestone in the process. 

Messi scores 50th international goal

The hosts are dominant from the first whistle. Gonzalo Higuain sets up Gabriel Mercado to get the opening goal of the game in the 21st minute.
 
8 minutes later Ever Banega is fouled in the area which gives Messi the chance to make it 2-0. The Barcelona slots the spot kick to bag his 50th international goal since his debut as a 17-year-old in 2005. Argentina ease to a 2 nil win to climb to third in their group.

Argentina are now a point ahead of Colombia and Chile, who came from behind to beat Venezuela 4-1. Table toppers Ecuador suffered their first loss of the campaign, going down 3-1 in Colombia, while Uruguay are now level with them after they recorded a 1-0 home win over Peru. 

Brazil and Paraguay both have nine points after a 2-2 draw in Asuncion. The top four teams will automatically qualify with the fifth-placed side goes into an intercontinental play-off.