Lionel Messi marks his international comeback with the winning goal as Argentina defeat Uruguay
LIONEL MESSI marked his return to the international stage with the winning goal as Argentina defeated Uruguay 1-0 in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Mendoza.
The Barcelona star, who hung up his international boots in June only to reverse his decision last month, netted three minutes before half-time to settle the contest and give coach Edgardo Bauza a winning start to his Argentina reign.
Lionel Messi marked his international comeback with the only goal against Uruguay IMAGE: ReutersA fan ran onto the pitch and kneels to the feet of Messi IMAGE: AP:Associated Press
Argentina retained their slender advantage despite playing the entire second period a man down following the dismissal of Juventus forward Paulo Dybala on the stroke of half-time.
Messi controlled the ball and made room for a shot on 42 minutes which found the back of the net via a deflection off Uruguay defender Jose Gimenez.
It was his 56th goal for his country, and there was little Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera could have done about it.
Related articles
Final flight
Wife of tragic Chapecoense captain reveals team holiday was planned before air disaster that killed 71
GO JOE
'I wasn't wanted.' Joe Hart admits his Manchester City career is over under Pep Guardiola
Transfers live
All the latest breaking news and and gossip ahead of the January transfer window
Team News
Yohan Cabaye misses out for Crystal Palace vs Southampton while Saints may welcome back star trio
You want, Sam?
Sam Allardyce is open to the Crystal Palace job with Eagles manager Alan Pardew fearing the sack
I'LL BE BACK
'I'll be back' Crystal Palace ace Connor Wickham undergoes cruciate knee ligament surgery
What Are The Odds?
Latest odds, TV information and team news for the Crystal Palace vs Southampton Premier League clash
TV TIMES
What TV channel is it on, what’s the team news and what are the latest odds for the Premier League clash?
PREVIEW
What time is Crystal Palace vs Southampton, what TV channel is it on and what are the latest odds for the Premier League clash?
ROO'LL DO FOR ME
Wayne Rooney WILL be England captain but new boss Gareth Southgate warns the Manchester United ace he isn't an automatic starter
Team News
Philippe Coutinho misses out for title-chasing Liverpool for away trip to Bournemouth
CHEER WE GO
Countdown to Xmas by reliving some of the Premier League most memorable moments with SunSport's festive football advent calendar...see what is behind door No 1
Messi breaks free of defenders before his shot takes a deflection IMAGE: EFE
The home team’s momentum was stalled shortly after by the dismissal of Dybala, who was shown a second yellow card for a soft foul on Mathias Corujo.
But Uruguay failed to capitalise on their numerical superiority, with striker Luis Suarez starved of decent service and Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero not unduly troubled.
The win moved Argentina to the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying standings – a point ahead of Uruguay, Colombia and Ecuador – after seven games.
Leave a comment