L Messi misses penalty as Brazil beat Argentina

FE Team | Published: October 13, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

BEIJING: A Chinese supporter for Brazil watches the Brazil versus Argentina friendly football match at the National stadium here Saturday. Brazil won 2-0. — AFP Photo

BEIJING, Oct 12 (AFP): Lionel Messi missed a first-half penalty as Brazil beat Argentina 2-0 in a fiercely contested "Superclasico" friendly in Beijing Saturday.
Journeyman Diego Tardelli was the unlikely hero with his first two goals for Brazil as Messi fluffed his lines with a tame spot-kick at the Bird's Nest stadium.
Atletico Mineiro striker Tardelli, 29, put Brazil ahead on 28 minutes, before Messi curled his soft penalty attempt close to goalkeeper Jefferson just before half-time.
Tardelli was on target again in the second half as Brazil restored pride after the World Cup, when the hosts were hammered in the semis while Argentina reached the final.