Messi misses penalty as Brazil cruise to victory in Beijing friendly
Argentinian superstar endures an off night as South American arch-rivals are victorious in exhibition
Lionel Messi missed a first-half penalty as Brazil beat Argentina 2-0 in a fiercely contested "Superclasico" friendly in Beijing last night.
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.
Brazil are the best team in the world with a great tradition. We have no big players, we are now acting as one team ... The whole team is evolving, including me
And Tardelli was on target again midway through the second half as Brazil restored pride after the World Cup, when the hosts were hammered in the semis while Argentina reached the final.
Argentina were on top early in the match and Sergio Aguero fired an inviting early chance over the bar before Angel Di Maria threatened with a drive from distance.
But it was Tardelli who broke the deadlock when he pounced on a loose ball and volleyed past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero on 28 minutes.
