Gonzalo Higuain scored a hat-trick and created a goal for Lionel Messi as Argentina beat Chile 4-1 in the opening round of the South American qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup.

Higuain started because of injury to Sergio Aguero and took full advantage, opening the scoring in the ninth minute.

Real Madrid team-mate Angel Di Maria sent in a long pass from the left which Higuain controlled and shot past goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

It was an ideal start for Argentina in what was the competitive debut for Alejandro Sabella, who was appointed as coach in the summer.

Higuain then turned provider in the 25th minute when he received the ball from Jose Sosa and sent the ball into the box to find Messi who doubled the advantage.

For the Barcelona star it was his first goal after 16 matches without scoring for the national team.

His last one had been in the past World Cup qualifiers, against Venezuela.

Following the half-time break, Higuain put Argentina 3-0 up when he converted Di Maria's cross from the left.

Chile pulled one back when goalkeeper Mariano Andujar failed to clear the ball and Matias Fernandez pounced to reduce the deficit to two goals.

However, Higuain hit back three minutes later when Messi intercepted Bravo's clearance and combined with the Real Madrid striker who completed his hat-trick.

Argentina will now visit Venezuela, looking for their second win in a row, while Chile host Peru.