World champions Argentina made it three wins out of three in South American World Cup qualifying with a hard-earned 1-0 win over a determined Paraguay on Thursday. A third-minute goal from Nicolas Otamendi was just enough for Lionel Scaloni’s team, with Lionel Messi coming off in the bench in the second half and hitting the woodwork twice.

Darwin Nunez struck a stoppage time penalty as Uruguay fought back for a 2-2 draw with Colombia in Barranquilla, while Ecuador got their first points with a last gasp 2-1 win at Bolivia. Messi’s fight for full fitness inevitably dominated the build-up to Argentina’s attempt to maintain their 100% record and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner started on the bench with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez leading the attack.