-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Lionel Messi inspired Argentina as the two-time world champions came from behind to defeat Colombia 2-1 in a South American World Cup qualifying clash on Tuesday . Argentina went 1-0 down in Barranquilla after 44 minutes , when midfielder Javier Mascherano inadvertently deflected Dorlan Pabon 's shot into his own net . But La Albiceleste rallied in the second half , with two-time world player of the year Messi equalizing after 60 minutes when Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina failed to gather Jose Sosa 's cross . Substitute Sergio Aguero stole all three points for Argentina with six minutes remaining . The Manchester City striker was first to react when Ospina parried a shot from Real Madrid 's Gonzalo Higuain , with Barcelona star Messi involved in the build-up . How should football tackle racism ? The result kept Argentina second in the nine-team South American qualifying group , level on seven points with 2011 Copa America winners Uruguay and third-placed Venezuela . Uruguay have a game in hand over both rivals , having played only three qualifiers . `` It was hard , '' Messi , who was awarded the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2010 and is nominated for the accolade again this year , said after the match . `` We did not deserve to go a goal behind , as they were not better than us . `` Sometimes you play better , and other times you have to fight harder . This game was one of those days . '' Ronaldo nets double as Portugal reach Euro 2012 Venezuela joined Argentina on two wins , a draw and a defeat after beating Bolivia 1-0 , with defender Oswaldo Vizcarrondo heading the only goal in the 23rd minute . The defeat left visiting Bolivia rock bottom with just one point from four matches . Ecuador moved into the fourth and final automatic qualifying spot courtesy of a 2-0 win over Peru in Quito . Midfielder Edison Mendez broke the deadlock in the 69th minute after being set up by striker Christian Benitez . Benitez , who plays his club football with Mexican outfit America , sealed Ecuador 's triumph with a close-range strike in the closing minutes to keep his side unbeaten for 34 years in World Cup ties against Peru . Chile climbed above Colombia into fifth place and the one playoff berth after a 2-0 success against Paraguay . Claudio Borghi 's team lost 4-0 to Uruguay last week , but Chile responded positively and took the lead through defender Pablo Contreras on 27 minutes . Fullback Matias Campos sealed victory with five minutes left , as Chile moved onto six points . The qualifying group usually has 10 countries , but Brazil 's place is already guaranteed as the hosts of the 2014 tournament , when Mano Menezes ' team will seek a sixth title .