Lionel Messi scores 50th Argentina goal

Lionel Messi scored the 50th senior international goal of his career as Argentina recorded a 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Bolivia last night.

Defender Gabriel Mercado opened the scoring in the 21st minute, before Messi got in on the act eight minutes later.

His goal came from the penalty spot after Ever Banega had been fouled inside the area, which moved Messi to within six of Gabriel Batistuta's all-time Argentine scoring record.

"I'm happy with goal number 50 but more because we won and this helps to keep growing," he told TyC Sports after the final whistle.

It means that the Barcelona man has now scored 499 goals for club and country.

He will have the chance to notch a 500th career goal when Barca face big rivals Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Saturday night.