Messi magic floors Brazil
Doha, Nov. 18: A brilliant solo goal in injury time by Lionel Messi earned Argentina a 1-0 victory over their arch-rivals Brazil in an international friendly here on Wednesday.
The Barcelona superstar picked up the ball midway inside the Brazil half and weaved past four defenders before firing a low shot into the bottom-right corner with just a minute of added time to play. It was Messi’s first ever goal against Brazil and allowed Argentina to record their first win against their old enemies since June 2005.
“It’s always important to win and this victory is even more important because it’s against a direct rival and it gives us confidence,” said Messi. “My goal was important because it enabled us to beat Brazil.”
Messi’s strike also allowed coach Sergio Batista to celebrate victory in his first game in charge since he was confirmed as the long-term successor to Diego Maradona.
For Brazil it was a first defeat in four matches for new coach Mano Menezes, who had led his country to victories in his first three games at the helm and had not previously seen his team concede a goal. “It was a very close match but we showed inexperience in the manner in which we conceded the goal,” said Menezes.
The Albiceleste were second-best for much of the first half, as Brazil impressed with their slick approach play, and Batista will have been delighted to secure a famous win after the 1-0 loss to Japan in their previous outing. Ronaldinho was making his first Brazil appearance since April 2009 and although he illuminated the game with some classy touches, he could not prise open the Argentine defence.
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