Barcelona sensation, Lionel Messi bagged his 100th international cap as he captained his national team to a narrow 1-0 win against Jamaica. The 1-0 victory ensured Argentina the top spot in their Copa America’s Group B.

All eyes were on Messi on the historic night but experienced Napoli striker, Gonzalo Higuain stole the spotlight as he scored the winner in just the 11th minute of the match. The 27 year old’s strike in the early stages of the match proved to be the difference between the two teams, making Messi’s special occasion all the more fruitful.

Argentinean coach Gerardo Martino, who watched the match from the stands after receiving a one match ban in Argentina’s previous match, rested Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi drafting in Gonzalo Higuain and Martin Dimechelis. This proved to be a wise move as both the players made significant impact both forward and at the back.

Higuain troubled the Jamaican defense right from the start. Angel Di Maria rolled the ball into the penalty box and Higuain held off two defenders before turning and shooting past the helpless Jamaican keeper to end his seven match goalless streak. Higuain almost grabbed a brace with a looped effort in the 22nd minute after being played in by Lucas Biglia only to be denied by the crossbar.

Jamaica struggled throughout the match having only 28% of the possession but they somehow managed to reach both the Half and Full time trailing by just a single goal. The Argentinians created a handful of chances but missed quite a few of them. Di Maria was denied by the crossbar late in the match and substitute Roberto Pereyra scuffed his shot wide but what mattered was the three points which the men in blue sealed with ease.