RIYADH, Nov 16, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Lionel Messi struck on his return to
international duty Friday following a three-month ban as Argentina defeated
fierce rivals Brazil 1-0 in a friendly in Riyadh.
The Barcelona forward was suspended by CONMEBOL for accusing South
American football’s ruling body of “corruption” after he was sent off in
July’s third-place play-off with Chile at the Copa America.
Messi netted the only goal of the game at the King Saud University Stadium
on 13 minutes, tapping home the rebound after his penalty was saved by Brazil
goalkeeper Alisson.
His effort came shortly after Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus rolled
a spot-kick wide for Brazil, who were playing without the injured Neymar.
Messi, who scored with a pair of free-kicks in his last game with
Barcelona, twice threatened from set pieces in the second half before
Liverpool ‘keeper Alisson beat away a powerful drive from Leandro Paredes.
Rodrygo, the 18-year-old who scored a sensational Champions League hat-
trick with Real Madrid this month, made his Brazil debut as he replaced
Willian for the final 20 minutes.
However, Brazil were unable to find an equaliser as their winless run
since capturing the Copa America title extended to five matches.
“It’s important to win and it is always nice to beat Brazil, for the
rivalry, which feels a lot of late,” said Messi.
“It’s good for everything that is to come, to continue growing while
looking towards the qualifiers and the next Copa America (in 2020).”
The meeting between the two South American giants was the second in Saudi
Arabia in little over a year. Brazil beat Argentina 1-0 in Jeddah in October
2018.
Brazil also defeated Argentina 2-0 at home in the semi-finals of this
year’s Copa America, a controversial match that left Messi complaining the
hosts had benefited from favouritism.
Brazil will play a friendly against South Korea in Abu Dhabi on November
19, in their final game before South American qualifying starts for the 2022
World Cup in March.