Barca stars hand Argentina second world cup victory in two qualiying matches.


FC Barcelona's duo of Gabriel Milito and Lionel Messi each struck in the first half to give Argentina a 2-0 victory over hosts Venezuela in the South American world cup qualifying match played on Tuesday. The first came in the 15th minute when Gabriel Milito rose highest to head in a precise Riquelme free-kick, giving the visitors the lead much against the run of play. The second was a master piece from player of the moment, Lionel Messi. Carlos Tevez produced some good football on the right before finding the magical Barca forward, who took a few deft touches to cut inside a couple of defenders, and let rip a 20 yard effort that went straight into the corner.


However, deadly second-half head injury on Inter Milan's player, Nicolas Burdisso almost marred the match. Burdisso was involved in a clash of heads with Juan Arango, and unlike the latter, did not move after falling to the ground, in scenes that immediately brought back memories of Antonio Puerta. After a very nervous few minutes, he was somehow strapped and stretchered off and is recovering.