Messi scores as Argentina sink Colombia in World Cup qualifiers

Sao Paulo: The return of Lionel Messi to an under-pressure Argentina team has finally paid off. After a lackluster performance last week against Brazil last week, the five-time FIFA player of the year winner inspired a 3-0 victory over Colombia for the South American World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday. He scored the first with a breathtaking free kick, gave two assists, dribbled through Colombia's defense several times and coordinated his teammates on the pitch. Argentina is now in fifth position with 19 points after 12 games, with six games to go. Colombia dropped to sixth with 18 points. The first four in South American qualifiers have automatic qualifying positions for the next World Cup and the fifth will be in an international playoff for a spot. The home victory eased some of the pressure on coach Edgardo Bauza, who received the dreaded vote of support from Argentina's football association during the week.