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ALTERNATIVE CROP OF EDB127.- Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Uruguay during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match in Mendoza, Argentina, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Eduardo Di Baia, Associated Press
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Argentina's Lionel Messi, right, celebrates after scoring against Uruguay during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match in Mendoza, Argentina, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. At left, Argentina's Fernando Gago. Eduardo Di Baia, Associated Press
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Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Uruguay during a World Cup 2014 qualifying soccer match in Mendoza, Argentina, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Eduardo Di Baia, Associated Press
By Associated Press

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Lionel Messi has never played better for Argentina, which is no comfort for Chile and its embattled coach Claudio Borghi.

Argentina plays Tuesday at Chile, which has lost two straight in South American qualifying. Another loss could cost Borghi — an Argentine — his job.

Messi scored two goals on Friday and set up another for Sergio Aguero in a 3-0 victory against 2010 World Cup semifinalist Uruguay. Messi is closing in on Diego Maradona's scoring record for Argentina's national team, matching the magic he's always produced for Barcelona.

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In other matches on Tuesday, it's: Venezuela vs. Ecuador, Bolivia vs. Uruguay; Paraguay vs. Peru. Colombia has a bye.

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