Lionel Messi returned from international suspension to score the winner in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Brazil in Saudi Arabia on Friday, reports Reuters.
The Barcelona striker, who missed four games after calling the South American Football Confederation “corrupt,” scored after 14 minutes to give Argentina a deserved victory in the so-called Superclasico.
The result extended Brazil’s winless run to five games since they lifted the Copa America in July, their worst such run since 2013.
Brazil beat Argentina 2-0 the last time these teams met in the Copa America semi-finals and they should have taken a ninth minute lead but Gabriel Jesus fired a penalty kick wide after he had been brought down in the box.
Argentina were also awarded a penalty five minutes later and although Brazilian keeper Alisson saved Messi’s initial effort, the Barcelona striker followed up to put Argentina 1-0 ahead.
Messi missed two chances to double Argentina’s lead before halftime, with defender Eder Militao and Alisson blocking the opportunities.
Brazil, who were without Paris St Germain striker Neymar, had two-thirds of the possession but rarely threatened the Argentine goal in a game that featured 41 fouls and six yellow cards. Argentina, meanwhile, looked more sprightly, even without Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala, both of whom were unused substitutes.
Argentina have now won three of the five games they have played since their semi-final exit at the Copa America.
Meanwhile, Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Brazil coach Tite exchanged words during the clash. Messi looked to the touchline and put his fingers to his lips before making another hand sign that appeared to tell the Brazil coach he had too much to say for himself.
Tite admitted he had been complaining to the referee during the first half and said the two men exchanged words. “I complained because he (Messi) should have been shown a yellow card and he told me to shut my mouth and I told him to shut his mouth,” Tite said. “And that was it.”
The Brazil coach played down the incident and highlighted Messi’s performance in the well-deserved friendly victory.
The Barcelona forward was one of the outstanding performers for Argentina on his return to international football after missing four games through suspension.
He scored the only goal after 14 minutes – his penalty was saved but he followed up to beat Alisson – and could have had another couple of goals but for some stout defending and the keeper’s awareness.
The result was encouraging for Argentina, who have now gone six games without defeat — their longest such run since 2016. “From the very start we tried to play. We had a couple of misses and they had their chances,” Messi said. “But in the second half we were much better.
“When you win, it puts you more at ease and that is very positive for what lies ahead. I ended the match well, we all ran quite a bit. And that is what we were there to do.”
Argentina play Uruguay in a friendly next week while Brazil face South Korea.
