A seven-goal thriller booked Argentina’s place in the 2014 football World Cup, as Lionel Messi hit the target twice in a 5-2 destruction of Paraguay.
Needing a win to confirm their place in next year’s tournament, the Albiceleste enjoyed a perfect start when Sergio Aguero was taken down in the penalty area. Messi stepped up to convert the kick and put his side 1-0 up in Asuncion, after just 11 minutes.
Paraguay hit back through José Núñez, but it was a mere blip on the way to a dominant Argentine victory. Aguero restored the lead on the half hour, and further goals from Angel Di Maria and Maxi Rodriguez, plus a second penalty from Messi, put Alejandro Sabella’s men out of reach.
The win means Argentina sit top of the South American World Cup qualifying competition, with 29 points from 14 games. They are assured of one of the four automatic places for Brazil 2014, and hence become the 10th team to book their place in the competition.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald