After the victory over Venezuela, Argentina continues to lead the South American race with 23 points.

The fact that they reaped all three points against Venezuela was not unexpected.

> Watch a clip summarizing the match

Messi has long been accused of only shining at the club level, but lacking enthusiasm and often playing below his strength when returning to duty for Argentina.

Messi’s Argentina is getting very close to the 2014 World Cup finals. Photo: Ole Ole.

Despite failing to score goals in two useless friendly matches against Saudi Arabia in November 2012 and Sweden in early February, Messi shined again yesterday, continuing to affirm his role as the leader in bringing Argentina to the world.

Right from the first minutes, with Messi as the main inspiration, Argentina put tremendous pressure on the opponent’s goal.

However, Argentina only had to wait until the 29th minute to concretize that overwhelming position.

Venezuela then tightened the team and made a lot of mistakes to limit the home side’s explosion.

The second half almost turned into a romp for Argentina.

Playing like a walk, Argentina still got the third goal in the 59th minute, still from a combination of the striker duo who are mercenaries in Spain for Real and Barca.

Squad:

Argentina: Romero – Zabaleta, Fernandez, Garay, Rojo – Gago (Banega 62), Mascherano, Montillo – Higuain (Palacio 80), Messi, Lavezzi (Maxi Rodriguez 84).

Venezuela: Dani – Alexander, Vizcarrondo, Tunez, Cichero – Rincon, Lucena – Seijas (Otero 57), Arango (Gonzalez 75) – Feltscher, Rondon (Miku 82).

Goals: Higuain 29′ and 59′, Messi pen 45′

* Lionel Messi fired the first shot for PES 2011.

Phuong Minh