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Lionel Messi made a successful return to international football as Argentina gained a measure of revenge on Brazil for this summer\u2019s Copa America semi-final defeat with a 1-0 win in Riyadh.<\/p>\nLionel Messi made a successful return to international football as Argentina gained a measure of revenge on Brazil for this summer\u2019s Copa America semi-final defeat with a 1-0 win in Riyadh.<\/p>\n
The 32-year-old was banned for three months by CONMEBOL after criticizing the South American governing body, both after the semi-final loss and a third-place play-off win over Chile in which he was sent off following an altercation with Gary Medel.<\/p>\n
However, the Barcelona forward made a triumphant return as he scored the only goal of the game in an international friendly in Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n
Gabriel Jesus hit a tame effort straight at Esteban Andrada after seven minutes, but moments later earned a penalty when he was fouled by Leandro Paredes in the area.<\/p>\n
The Manchester City striker took the spot-kick, only to fire wide from 12 yards in the 10th minute.<\/p>\n
Two minutes later Argentina were awarded a penalty of their own when Messi was tripped by Alex Sandro.<\/p>\n
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker saved Messi\u2019s spot-kick, but the Barcelona forward was left with a simple task to tap in the rebound.<\/p>\n
Good work by Willian on the left flank created a chance for Lucas Paqueta, but he dragged his shot wide.<\/p>\n
Messi could have doubled his tally a minute before half-time when he burst clear of the Brazil defense, but Alisson stood firm to save his low effort.<\/p>\n
Jesus and Willian both failed to work Andrada as Brazil sought an equalizer after the break, while at the other end Messi\u2019s 66th-minute free-kick had to be tipped over by Alisson.<\/p>\n
Lautaro Martinez and Nicolas Otamendi both wasted late chances to make the game safe for Argentina, whose win represented a first against their arch rivals for more than two years.<\/p>\n