Lionel Messi converted three incredible goals to lead Argentina to a well-deserved 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Brazil in an action-packed international friendly match in New Jersey on Saturday.
The FIFA World Player of the Year handed the two-time world champions a come-back victory six minutes from full-time when he bursted forward on a swift run and magnificently curled the ball around Brazil goalkeeper Rafael from the edge of the area.
Once again, Messi overshadowed Brazil star Neymar, who was as lively as ever but failed to get on the score-sheet, even if the Selecao converted three goals and created several more goal-scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Brazil, whose coach Mano Menezes opted to field his Olympic squad, took a surprise lead in the 23rd minute through Romulo. But Messi scored twice, in the 31st and 34th minutes, to give Argentina the lead going into the half-time break.
However, a spirited Brazil came into the final forty-five minutes with plenty of determination, and went back into the lead with goals from Oscar and Hulk, in the 56th and 72nd minute, respectively, before the game turned on its head once again.
Three minutes after Hulk´s goal, Federico Fernandez drew Alejandro Sabella´s side level, before Messi fired home Argentina´s eventual match-winner in stunning fashion.
Both teams were reduced to ten men in the final moments of the match, with Marcelo and substitute Ezequiel Lavezzi being ejected by match referee Jair Marrufo.
