Magical Messi delivers for Argentina
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Lionel Messi secured a 1-0 friendly win for Argentina over traditional rival Brazil on Wednesday.
Messi justified his status as the best player in the world with an injury-time solo goal that clinched Argentina's first win over its neighbor in six meetings.
"I really wanted to beat them and I was able to it. I'd never done it with the senior (Argentina) team," said Messi, who was playing against Brazil for the fourth time.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar gave World Cup runner-up the Netherlands a 1-0 win over Turkey while Italy's experimental lineup needed an 82nd-minute own-goal by Ciprian Marica to salvage a 1-1 draw against Romania in a match marred by racist taunts directed at Azzurri forward Mario Balotelli.
A youthful Germany team failed to unlock host Sweden as defenses dominated in a 0-0 draw, while the United States beat South Africa 1-0.
Argentina and Brazil looked to be heading for a scoreless draw in Doha, Qatar, after 90 minutes of a match more notable for the occasional rough challenge and bad-tempered reaction than the skills of Ronaldinho and Messi.
But the diminutive Argentine collected possession midway inside Brazil's half, beat four opponents and scored with a low shot into the right corner.
"Messi means everything to us," said Argentina coach Sergio Batista. "He showed why he's the best player in the world."
Huntelaar scored in the 52nd for the Netherlands, but it was Hedwiges Maduro who set up the goal. The Valencia midfielder took the ball from Turkey left back Ismail Koybasi and crossed to Huntelaar, who knocked it in from close range.
The goal silenced a sizable Turkish crowd, which had been throwing flares onto the pitch throughout the game.
Italy striker Balotelli, who was born in Italy but is of Ghanian descent, was jeered every time he touched the ball in neutral Austria - with the taunts coming from a group of about 100 extreme right-wing Italian fans at the match.
Stuttgart striker Marica put Romania ahead in the 34th with a shot from the edge of the area. He then scored at the other end following a corner from Andrea Pirlo.
Romelu Lukaku scored a goal in each half to give Belgium a 2-0 win over Russia, Egypt beat Australia 3-0 to hand Socceroos coach Holger Osieck his first loss since taking over in August, and Ghana dominated possession but was held 0-0 by Saudi Arabia.
In qualifying for the 2012 European Championship, Croatia beat Malta 3-0 and Finland crushed San Marino 8-0.
