Argentina edge past Brazil 1-0, thanks to Lionel Messi
What's the story
Argentina put up a competitive show as they managed to tame arch-rivals, Brazil, 1-0 during a friendly tie at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Friday.
Lionel Messi was the goal-scorer, as his 14th-minute strike was enough to tame the 2019 Copa America champions.
This was also Messi's first game for Argentina following the conclusion of his suspension by CONMEBOL.
Match report
How did the match pan out?
As for the match, it was off to an interesting start, as both the teams earned a penalty by the 12th minute, which both missed out on scoring.
However, it did not take long for Messi to strike back, as following a save from Alisson, the rebound fell in the zone of the former, who tapped it home easily for the winner.
The ban
Messi was suspended for 3 months following CONMEBOL corruption claims
It was in July when following Argentina's third-place play-off match during the Copa America, Messi went on a rant regarding CONMEBOL that it was corrupt and had an inclination towards Brazil.
While Messi's claims came following poor referring during the tournament, CONMEBOL handed him a three-month suspension for the same.
Nonetheless, Argentina did not play any important tournament during this phase.
Quote
It is always nice to beat Brazil: Messi
"It's important to win and it is always nice to beat Brazil, for the rivalry, which feels a lot of late. It's good for everything that is to come, to continue growing while looking towards the qualifiers and the next Copa America," said Messi.
Messi's international records
Some records held by Messi in international football
Following are some of the records held by Messi in international football:
- Has won the most Man of the Match awards in a FIFA World Cup: 4 (2014)
- He is the only player to score in his 20s and 30s in the World Cup.
- The only player to provide at least an assist in four World Cups.
Next venture
Argentina to face Uruguay before shifting focus to WC qualifiers
Following the win, Argentina would be up for another grave task in the friendly, as they take on Uruguay on Monday, which would also be their final international fixture for the year.
Following this match, the team would shift focus to the World Cup qualifiers, starting March 2020.
The side has qualified for the tournament on each occasion, barring the 1970 edition.