Messi fires as Argentina lead South America

Lionel Messi was among the goals as two-time world champions Argentina went top of the qualifying group with a convincing 3-1 home win over struggling Paraguay, for whom defeat saw them drop to the bottom of the table after six matches.

Copa America champions Uruguay slumped to their first defeat of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers on Friday as Colombia thrashed them 4-0.

Messi celebrates scoring vs Paraguay

Striker Falcao got Colombia off to the ideal start against the Uruguayans with a goal in the second minute. However, it was to be Teofilo Gutierrez who sealed it scoring twice in four minutes early in the second-half.

Argentina too benefited from an early start as Real Madrid wing Angel di Maria struck in the second minute and although Paraguay equalised from the penalty spot later in the half further goals by Gonzalo Higuain and Messi sealed the win.

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CONCACAF: Jamaica stun United States 2-1
WASHINGTON: Jamaica surprised USA 2-1 to seize the Group A lead on Friday as Mexico moved closer to the final round of 2014 World Cup qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) region. Goals from Rodolph Austin and Luton Shelton overcame Clint Dempsey's first-minute strike for the Americans as Jamaica posted their first victory over the US in 19 matches. Dempsey's goal - 36 seconds into the match - was the fastest for USA in World Cup qualifying.u00a0