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Argentina 1-0 Brazil: Lionel Messi's strike earns Albiceleste victory

The Barcelona skipper played well as his team beat their rivals in a friendly in Saudi Arabia

Messi marcó el único gol del partido / | sport
Javier Giraldo

Lionel Messi scored the winner as Argentina beat Brazil in Saudi Arabia on Friday, converting the rebound after his penalty was saved.

The Argentine captain was making his first appearance since the summer when he was banned for three months after calling CONMEBOL corrupt.

Gabriel Jesus won and missed a penalty for Brazil, rolling it wide, before Messi’s opener in the 13th minute.

Alisson saved Messi’s effort after Alex Sandro felled the Barcelona No 10, but he followed it up and tucked the ball home.

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina were well on top in the game and Brazil only managed one shot on target in the entire game.

 

By contrast Argentina looked better than at the Copa America in the summer - which Brazil won.