(Reuters) - Argentina were leading Belgium 1-0 at halftime thanks to an early goal from striker Gonzalo Higuain in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final with Lionel Messi again providing their inspiration.

Higuain fired Argentina ahead after eight minutes with a right-foot shot on the turn from the edge of the area that gave keeper Thibaut Courtois no chance, while Messi constantly teased the Belgium defense and went close with a free kick.

Belgium's best effort came midway through the first period when midfielder Kevin De Bruyne let fly from 25 meters, stinging the hands of Sergio Romero, and Kevin Mirallas's diving header flashed just wide of the post before the break.