Goal of the day: Lionel Messi (Argentina) vs Brazil
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Lionel Messi produced a glorious run and stunning finish to seal his hat-trick and give Argentina a 4-3 win over arch-rivals Brazil in an end-to-end friendly at New York on Saturday.
In front of a sell-out crowd of nearly 81,994 fans at MetLife Stadium, Messi had dragged the Albiceleste back into the game to lead at half time, after Rômulo handed the Seleção an early advantage.
Goals from Oscar and Hulk looked to have swung the balance once more in the favour of the Brazilians after the break, but Argentina stormed back quickly as Federico Fernández headed in from a corner.
Then, with six minutes of normal time left, Messi scored a goal that will long be remembered.
The Barcelona ace took a pass just past midfield near the sideline, dribbled around Marcelo and cut diagonally for the goal.
Then, with Juan stepping up to stop Messi's run, the Argentine cut to the center and just short of the arc let loose with a 23-meter rocket that went in just under the crossbar.
"It's always beautiful to beat Brazil and I am very happy with my three goals," Messi told reporters after the game.
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella added: "Thankfully for us, he's Argentine and we can enjoy having him in our team.
"He's an exceptional player who is going through an exceptional phase. In the national team his recent performances have been good for us and today's game was great."
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| Argentina forward Lionel Messi shoots to score his third goal against Brazil Photo: Reuters |
In front of a sell-out crowd of nearly 81,994 fans at MetLife Stadium, Messi had dragged the Albiceleste back into the game to lead at half time, after Rômulo handed the Seleção an early advantage.
Goals from Oscar and Hulk looked to have swung the balance once more in the favour of the Brazilians after the break, but Argentina stormed back quickly as Federico Fernández headed in from a corner.
Then, with six minutes of normal time left, Messi scored a goal that will long be remembered.
The Barcelona ace took a pass just past midfield near the sideline, dribbled around Marcelo and cut diagonally for the goal.
Then, with Juan stepping up to stop Messi's run, the Argentine cut to the center and just short of the arc let loose with a 23-meter rocket that went in just under the crossbar.
"It's always beautiful to beat Brazil and I am very happy with my three goals," Messi told reporters after the game.
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella added: "Thankfully for us, he's Argentine and we can enjoy having him in our team.
"He's an exceptional player who is going through an exceptional phase. In the national team his recent performances have been good for us and today's game was great."
Related links:
Personal
Also see:
