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| Messi celebrates goal for Argentina against Uruguay |
FC Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi marked his return to the national team with a goal that helped his team beat Luis Suarez’s Uruguay team to go top of the standings in South America’s World Cup qualifiers log.
Two months after announcing his retirement from International football, Messi returned as Captain of the Albicelestes and put up a beautiful performance as expected in a tough clash against Uruguay, scoring his sides only goal of the night to register a 1-0 win over their opponent.
There were few chances in the opening stages of the game with Lionel Messi entertaining the crowd of whom his name was cheered. Juventus striker Paulo Dybala came very close to opening the scoring in his first Argentina start but his striker came off the post and then off the back of Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera before going out for a corner.
Few minutes later, Lionel Messi found the net with a well taken strike from outside the box to give Argentina a 1-0 lead after 43 minutes, his 56th goal for Argentina. Luis Suarez came close to equalizing almost immediately but his shot was blocked by Zabaleta.
Argentina were then put into huge difficulty after Paulo Dybala was shown a harsh second yellow following his challenge on Corujo, leaving them to play the entire second half with 10 men, one that was dominated by Uruguay as they took the advantage.
Messi came close to scoring his second on 52 minutes but his curling free kick was greatly saved by Muslera. Uruguay couldn’t capitalize on their advantage to get the equalizer and the 1-0 loss means Argentina are now top of the standings after 7 games.
NEYMAR HELPS BRAZIL BEAT ECUADOR 3-0
Neymar was also in action for his nation, helping them beat 10-man Ecuador 3-0 by registering one goal and one assist.
Neymar opened the scoring for Brazil on 72 minutes from the penalty spot before setting up Gabriel Jesus for another Brazil goal. The Manchester City youngster would go on to net a brace to give Brazil their first win against Ecuador in Quito for 33 years, putting the World Cup hopes back on track as it takes them to 5th place in the standings.