Lionel Messi scored his 50th international goal to help Argentina beat Bolivia 2-0 in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.

The win put Argentina in third place in the South American group with 11 points from six matches, two points behind joint leaders Uruguay and Ecuador.

Argentina defender Gabriel Mercado, who scored the winner in Thursday’s 2-1 away victory over Chile, opened the scoring against Bolivia on 21 minutes.

Argentina were awarded a penalty soon after when Ronald Eguino fouled midfielder Ever Banega, and Messi made no mistake from the spot to net his 50th goal for Argentina, putting him within six of Gabriel Batistuta’s record.

“This (campaign) is very long and what’s important is that we won and remain on course,” Messi said.

“I’m happy with goal number 50 but more because Argentina won and this helps to keep growing.”

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