Messi returns with a goal as Argentina down Brazil in Saudi Arabia

Lionel Messi lead Argentina to victory with a goal on his return to international duty Friday as Argentina defeated fierce rivals Brazil 1-0 in a friendly in Riyadh.

The Barcelona forward was available for selection once again after having been 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 América.

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 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. 

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 América, 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.

Vital statistics

Friendly international: Argentina 1 Brazil 0.

Goals: Messi (14)

Stadium: King Saud University Stadium (Riyadh)

Attendance: 22,541

Referee: Matthew Conger (New Zealand)

Yellow cards: Argentina – De Paul (43), Tagliafico (61), Paredes (73); Brazil – Casemiro (22), Danilo (27), Militao (64)

Line-ups:

Argentina: Esteban Andrada - Juan Foyth, Nicolás Otamendi, Germán Pezzela, Nicolás Tagliafico - Rodrigo De Paul (Nicolás Domínguez 90), Leandro Paredes (Guido Rodríguez 83), Giovani Lo Celso (Marcos Acuña 59) - Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez (Lucas Alario 88), Lucas Ocampos (Nicolás González 74). Coach: Lionel Scaloni.

Brazil: Alisson - Danilo, Eder Militao, Thiago Silva, Alex Sandro (Renan Lodi 64) - Arthur (Fabinho 55), Casemiro (Wesley 86), Lucas Paquetá (Philippe Coutinho 46) - Gabriel Jesús (Richarlison 71), Roberto Firmino, Willian (Rodrygo 71). Coach: Tite.

– AFP