Sports

Messi ends seven-year goal drought against Brazil

 

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner got himself on the scoresheet against
the Selecao for the first time since 2012 in an international
friendly.
Lionel Messi’s winning goal against Brazil in an international
friendly on Friday marked his first against Argentina’s fiercest
rivals in seven years.
The Barcelona superstar returned to Argentina’s starting line up after
serving a three-month suspension for criticising CONMEBOL during this
summer’s Copa America.
Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus squandered a golden chance to
give Brazil the lead when he placed a penalty kick wide of the post in
the early stages of the contest, and was made to pay for his miss
moments later.
Messi won a penalty in the 12th minute of the game after jinking his
way into the box and going down under a clumsy challenge from Juventus
full-back Alex Sandro.
Alisson failed to hold Messi’s tame spot-kick, allowing the diminutive
magician to tap into an empty net from the rebound for his 69th goal
in 137 appearances for La Albicelestes.
Argentina ultimately held on for a 1-0 victory in Saudi Arabia,
banishing the memory of a painful semi-final defeat against Brazil at
the Copa America.
Messi’s latest goal for his country was his first against Brazil since
2012, when he netted a hat-trick in a 4-3 friendly victory in the
United States.
The two sides have met on four previous occasions since then, with
Messi unable to find the net during three defeats and one victory.
Brazil extended their winless run to five matches with their latest
defeat, while Argentina picked up a fourth win from their last six.
Messi and company are due back in friendly action against Uruguay in
Tel Aviv on Monday on Monday, but there are fears the match could be
called off because of fighting in Israel.
Brazil, meanwhile, are scheduled to face South Korea in Abu Dhabi on
Tuesday, which is their final outing before next years 2022 World Cup
qualifiers commence.
Messi will return to Barcelona next week as Ernesto Valverde’s side
begins preparations for a La Liga clash at Leganes on November 23.
The Spanish champions will then switch their focus back to the
Champions League, with Borussia Dortmund set to arrive at Camp Nou for
a crucial Group F showdown four days later.

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