lionel Messi scored a majestic free-kick as Argentina reignited their misfiring World Cup qualification campaign against Colombia on Tuesday before declaring a media boycott over claims of drug use by a team-mate.
Barcelona maestro Messi was at his bewitching best in a 3-0 win over the Colombians which included his 10th-minute 30-yard free-kick before assists for lucas Pratto and Angel Di Maria. But the feelgood factor from a win which catapulted Argentina into the qualifying places in South America's campaign was short-lived at an explosive post-match press conference.
Addressing reporters as he stood in front of the entire Argentina squad, Messi said players would no longer speak to the media following a claim made on Twitter by one journalist that forward Ezequiel lavezzi had been caught smoking pot in the camp. "We have made the decision not to talk to the press anymore, obviously you know why," the Argentina skipper said. "There were a lot of accusations, a lot of disrespect, and the accusations they made against 'Pocho' (lavezzi) are very serious. We know that most of you guys don't play that game of disrespect. We can be criticised if we lose, or win, or if we play well or badly. But this is getting into personal lives. If we don't put a stop to it now, we'll never stop it."
lavezzi, who plays for Chinese side Hebei Fortune, has denied the claim and vowed to take legal action.
The media blackout deflected attention away from a convincing victory. The two-time world champions had taken just two points from their previous four games to leave themselves languishing just outside the qualification berths in South America's marathon qualifying tournament. But Tuesday's win puts Argentina back into the qualification positions in fifth place with six games remaining.
PERU 0-2 BRAZIl
Brazil did not need to be at its best in securing a 2-0 victory over Peru in lima; the sixth in a row for the leaders of the South American qualifiers under new coach Tite.
After a lackluster first half, Brazil went ahead in the 57th minute when Peru's defense gave the ball away inside the penalty box to 19-year-old Gabriel Jesus, who made an easy and calm finish.
In the 77th minute, the Peruvian defense again was at fault, allowing Jesus to set up midfielder Renato Augusto for another simple finish.
Brazil end the year with 27 points, which was enough to qualify in other editions of the South American qualifiers. Only months ago it was lagging sixth under previous coach Dunga.
In Santiago, Alexis Sanchez scored twice after returning from injury to give Chile a 3-1 win over Uruguay.