Oct 13, 2012 12:22 AM EDT
South American World Cup Qualifiers Results: Lionel Messi, Radamel Falcao Star as Argentina and Colombia Win

Lionel Messi was the star of the show as Argentina remained top of the South American standings with a 3-0 victory over Uruguay in the World Cup Qualifiers, while Radamel Falcao - not to be outdone - also sparkled in Colombia's win.

The Barcelona superstar scored a double in a 3-0 victory over the Uruguayans, with Sergio Aguero netting the other goal.

Argentina took their time to break the deadlock, with the opening goal only coming in the 66th minute after a frustrating first half. However, once the goal came, the floodgates opened.

Angel Di Maria, who had a really impressive game assisting in two of the three goals, played in a low cross for Messi to turn it into the back of the net. The Real Madrid winger was the provider once again, as Aguero put his name on the scoresheet.

Messi put the game beyond doubt eight minutes from time - his 12th goal of the qualifying campaign -- with Argentina also having a goal disallowed for offside in the final moments.

The win puts the Argentines on 17 points from eight games, one ahead of Ecuador and Colombia - both winners on Friday - with Uruguay in the fourth and final automatic qualifying place.

"When you give everything, the results are easier," Messi said. "This victory leaves us very happy because we played a team which is very strong.

"Now comes a tough game against Chile (on Tuesday). Even though they lost today they are rivals whom we respect."

Falcao scored both goals for Colombia in a 2-0 victory over Paraguay. Like the Argentina game, Colombia had to wait until the second half to open the scoring - the Atletico Madrid striker netting in the 52nd minute. Falcao then ensured all three points with a wonderful goal two minutes from time.

"Undoubtedly Paraguay are a strong team, we knew it would be difficult, and in the end we got the goals that gave us the victory," Falcao said. "But there is still a long way to go to the World Cup finals."

Ecuador remained level with Colombia on 16 points with a 3-1 victory over nine-man Chile. Felipe Caicedo scored a brace with Segundo Castillo adding the third goal, after Juan-Carlos Paredes' own goal had given the Chileans a 25th minute lead.

In the final game, Bolivia and Peru shared the honors in a 1-1 result.

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