Gonzalo Higuain converted a superb hat-trick to lift Argentina to a big win over Chile in their World Cup qualifying debut.
Gonzalo Higuain fired a superb hat-trick and Lionel Messi also got on the score-sheet as Argentina claimed an emphatic 4-1 victory over Chile at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on Friday.

Alejandro Sabella, who was making his official debut as the coach of Argentina, couldn't have imagined a better start, as his troops completely destroyed a Chile side that appeared very strong on paper.

Argentina had to wait only 7 minutes before Higuain put them ahead with a powerful finish from a Angel Di Maria cross. The Real Madrid team-mates combined to give Argentina the ideal start.

The two-time world champions looked very dangerous each time they moved forward, and in the 25th minute Lionel Messi added their second, when he met a fabulous ball from Higuain with a good finish. With the goal Messi put an end to a miserable spell of 16 official matches without scoring for his national team, dating back to March of 2009, when he found the back of the net during a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.

The goal seemed to inspire him, as Messi came to life, and caused havoc for the Chilean defense, especially with his mazy runs from the midfield towards the attack. The slippery field, caused by the rain, didn't affect his performance one bit.

Chile tried to creep into the game towards the end of the half, but were clearly missing the absence of key player Alexis Sanchez, as they rarely looked like a menace when in the Argentina half.

Six minutes into the second half Higuain extended Argentina's lead with another good finish.

Minutes later midfielder Matias Fernandez pulled a goal back for Chile, after Argentina goalkeeper Mariano Andujar failed to clear a high cross.

However, in the 62nd minute Higuain put the result beyond Chile's reach when he completed his hat-trick, finishing neatly after combining with the ever-lively Messi.

On Tuesday, Argentina travel to Venezuela to take on the hosts, while Chile will be looking to rebound from the defeat at home to Peru.