Lionel Messi's Argentina have now gone 21 matches unbeaten following their 3-1 win over Venezuela in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier early on Thursday morning, while Brazil took three points from Chile.
See pictures of Argentina's latest victory in the gallery above!
Venezuela 1-3 Argentina
Venezuela went down to 10 men on 32 minutes, with Luis Martinez sent off for a dangerous challenge on Messi, who appeared in severe pain from the high tackle on his knee.
Although Martinez was first shown a yellow card, the referee changed it to a straight red after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR).
Lionel Scaloni's 2021 Copa America champions went ahead two minutes into stoppage time in the first half through Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, who found the back of the net with a neat finish into the bottom corner.
Joaquin Correa doubled the Albiceleste's lead in the 71st minute, this time with Martinez turning provider for his new Inter colleague, who joined the Nerazzurri from Lazio late in the recent transfer window.
Then, three minutes later, Angel Correa scored the third goal for Scaloni's side to all but secure three points, with the 26-year-old bringing his club form for Atletico Madrid into his country's World Cup qualifying campaign.
Yeferson Soteldo pulled one back for Venezuela from the penalty spot four minutes into stoppage time, though his effort proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
While Messi did not contribute to any of Argentina's goals, the Paris Saint-Germain man did create two chances and complete the most passes in the match (68).
Other results:
Chile 0-1 Brazil (Everton Ribeiro,'64)
Peru (Renato Tapia,'25) 1-1 Uruguay (Giorgian De Arrascaeta,'29)
