By FRANCO PANIZO
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – It may have only been a friendly and not a World Cup qualifier, but it was still a game that will not be forgotten any time soon.
Argentina defeated archrivals Brazil, 4-3, in front of a record crowd of 81,994 at MetLife Stadium on Saturday afternoon, riding a Leo Messi hat-trick that included a wonderful winner in the final minutes of the South American clasico.
Both teams traded blows throughout the match and it even got physical in the end, with Brazilian fullback Marcelo and Argentine midfielder Ezequiel Lavezzi getting sent off after an altercation. But Messi worked his magic with a stunning goal in the 85th minute to give the Argentines the victory in the entertaining game.
Messi found the back of the net twice in the first half to give Argentina a 2-1 lead at halftime after Romulo opened the scoring, but goals by Oscar and Hulk put the Brazilians back on top in the second half. The Selecao's celebrations after Hulk's goal were shortlived, however, as Federico Fernandez headed home a corner four minutes later and then came Messi's wondergoal.
Here are full match highlights:
What do you think of Argentina's 4-3 win over Brazil? Surprised both teams combined for seven goals? How many times have you rewatched that Messi goal?
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