Argentina's Sergio Aguero (16) protests to referee Marlon Escalante (in black) of Venezuela for the explusion of Colombia's Cristian Valencia and Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain during their 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match in Buenos Aires, June 7, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Argentina remained atop the South American World Cup qualifying standings after drawing 0-0 against Colombia on Friday in the Argentine capital.

Argentina improved to 25 points in 12 matches and Colombia has 20 in 11 games. Argentina's top player Lionel Messi entered the game as a 57th minute substitute. The Barcelona star has an injured right hamstring muscle and missed the final three weeks of the Spanish league season.

Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain and Cristian Zapata of Colombia were sent off on straight red cards in the 26th for getting into a tussle.

"We had lots of possession and they had chances to score," said Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina, describing an evenly played match.

In another qualifier, Venezuela let a victory get away and settled for a 1-1 draw against Bolivia in the thin air of La Paz.

Venezuela took a 1-0 lead through Juan Arango's goal in the 58th minute, but Bolivia's Jhasmany Campos hit the equalizer in the 86th.

Despite the disappointment of conceding a late equalizer, the away point boosted Venezuela's chances of qualifying for next year's World Cup in Brazil, and ending its status as the only South American team never to have played in football's main event.

In two late matches, Ecuador played at Peru and Chile was at Chile. With a victory, Ecuador could improve to 23 points in 11 matches.