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As it happenedended

Brazil vs Argentina LIVE result: Lionel Messi goal enough to earn victory in Saudi Arabia

Final score: Brazil 0-1 Argentina

Lawrence Ostlere
Friday 15 November 2019 20:00 GMT
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Brazil take on Argentina in Riyadh
Brazil take on Argentina in Riyadh (REUTERS)

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Lionel Messi's solitary first-half goal was enough for Argentina to get the better of their old foe Brazil in Saudi Arabia.

Brazil had the first clear opportunity when Gabriel Jesus earned a penalty, but the Manchester City forward registered the fifth missed penalty of his young career, steering the ball wide of the post having sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Messi earned a penalty of his own a few minutes later when Alex Sandro tripped him in the box, although the contact appeared minimal. Messi got up to take the kick himself and although Alisson Becker saved his initial shot, the Liverpool keeper couldn't hold on to the ball and it squirmed loose for Messi to tap home.

Argentina were forced to dig deep at times in the second half although they also missed chances to wrap up the match. Re-live the game in Riyadh:

PREVIEW

When is it?

The match kicks off on Friday 15th November at 5pm (GMT), or 8pm local time.

How can I watch it?

The match will not be shown on UK television but you can watch it on Fanatiz or beIN SPORTS in the United States.

Odds

Brazil 6/5

Draw 2/1

Argentina 21/10

It's almost time! 

Brazil vs Argentina in Riyadh.

One of the glamour fixtures in all of sport.

Jack Rathborn15 November 2019 16:14

TEAM NEWS 

Brazil XI: Alisson; Danilo, Militao, Silva, Sandro; Casemiro, Arthur, Lucas; Gabriel Jesus, Willian, Firmino

Argentina XI: Andrada; Foyth, Otamendi, Kannemann, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Messi, Lautaro, Aguero

Jack Rathborn15 November 2019 16:20

A chance for Willian on the left.

While an extra midfielder is included in Milan's Paqueta.

Jesus will have to play from the right.

Jack Rathborn15 November 2019 16:27

A solid base for Messi, Lo Celso and Lautaro to shine.

Jack Rathborn15 November 2019 16:31

Here, our writers break down the squads in search of the perfect combined XI; injured players or those overlooked in the current squads are ruled out, while form is taken into account.

So Mauro Icardi, Ederson and Neymar are unavailable.

Here are our writers’ combined line-ups and a composite XI below.

Jack Rathborn15 November 2019 16:36

Willian on who was the greatest of them all

"Ronaldinho was the best of them all," the Chelsea star said.

"Better than Messi and Cristiano. They score more goals but what Ronnie did was incredible.

"He was incredible on the field and he also scored. Although I am a fan of his, he left too soon."

Jack Rathborn15 November 2019 16:51

The players are out! A reminder of the line-ups coming up...

Lawrence Ostlere15 November 2019 16:57

Line-ups

BRAZIL: Alisson, Danilo, Militao, Silva, Sandro, Casemiro, Arthur, Paqueta, Jesus, Willian, Firmino

ARGENTINA: Andrada, Foyth, Pezzella, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Ocampos, Paredes, De Paul, Messi, Lo Celso, Martinez

Lawrence Ostlere15 November 2019 16:58

The anthems play. Brazil's is undoubtedly elite, for me, with sufficient jauntiness to rouse any crowd. Argentina's is a little more sombre with a balletic edge which isn't entirely out of keeping with their captain, Lionel Messi. 

Lawrence Ostlere15 November 2019 17:01

A wealthy looking Saudi Arabian chap shakes hands with the two playing squads on the sidelines. On field, the Kiwi referee flips a coin. The benches are impressive by the way, featuring Fabinho, Coutinho, Dybala and Aguero.

Lawrence Ostlere15 November 2019 17:04

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