Lionel Messi ends international goal drought

Posted Sunday, October 09, 2011 by scotsman.com

Gonzalo Higuain scored a hat-trick and Lionel Messi netted his first goal in a competitive match for Argentina in two and a half years as the hosts crushed Chile 4-1 in their opening 2014 World Cup qualifier.

Higuain put Argentina ahead from Angel Di Maria's pass in a counter-attack after seven minutes at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires and Messi, whose last goal in a competitive international was against Venezuela in March 2009, netted the second

Higuain chipped in a Di Maria cross from the left seven minutes into the second half and completed his hat-trick when Messi capitalised on a faulty clearance by keeper Claudio Bravo and found the striker with a low pass.

Chile, who beat Argentina for the first time when the teams last met, a 2010 World Cup qualifier in Santiago in October 2008, pulled a goal back through Matias Fernandez on the hour.

"It's a great joy to start the qualifiers this way, this new era with a new coach," Higuain told reporters, referring to Alejandro Sabella, who took charge in August after Argentina's disappointing showing at the Copa America as hosts.

Argentina had clearly decided to put early pressure on Chile's vulnerable defence were quickly rewarded by Higuain's goal, the front man showing great understanding with Real Madrid team mate Di Maria as he latched on to his through ball.

Higuain later turned assistant to end captain Messi's long wait for a goal after the Barcelona hero had passed up an earlier chance.

The goal was a timely riposte to criticism from some home fans who felt aggrieved at Messi's failure to emulate his lofty standards at club level with the national team. As the playmaker marched towards the flag in the 32nd minute to take a corner kick, he received a standing ovation from the crowd in the adjacent terraces.

"It's important for Messi to be able to reverse this collective psychosis," said Sabella. "But it's not the most important thing, for if Messi doesn't score, he creates the situations from where goals are scored."

Messi, appointed captain by Sabella on a tour of Asia last month, said: "The team left a good impression and that's what's important. The squad comes before individual happiness."

While always looking in control, Argentina did slow the game down towards half-time and Chile, though limited in attack without injured forward Alexis Sanchez, saw a long shot from striker Humberto Suazo go just wide.

The interval was enough for the home team to regain the momentum and Higuain's second goal effectively killed the game off.