Messi scores as Argentina held by Chile

Argentina have drawn 1-1 at home to Chile, featuring former Barça stars Alexis Sánchez and Claudio Bravo, in the latest round of World Cup qualification games in the Conmebol zone. Played in Santiago del Estero (Argentina), it was not the best of results for Leo Messi and his team, but it still leaves them unbeaten and second behind Brazil, and hence well poised to book their place in the finals in Qatar next summer.

Leo Messi was the most dangerous player in the Argentina squad and it was Claudio Bravo’s saves that did the most to earn the visitors a point.

Indeed, it was Messi who put his side into a 24^th minute lead with a penalty dedicated to the late Diego Maradona, although Alexis Sánchez quickly levelled things eleven minutes later.

Bravo then made no fewer than six key saves, including one from a wonderful Messi free-kick, to ensure there would be no further scoring. Next up for Argentina is a tricky trip to Colombia.

Uruguay stalemate

With Barça’s Ronald Araujo uninvolved, Uruguay were also unable to win on home turf, in their case against Paraguay.

It was game with plenty of chances for both sides but none of them went in, and with seven points from their first five outings and game against Venezuela to come next, Uruguay are currently on the borderline between qualification or not.