Lionel Messi scores, but Spain defeats Argentina 2-1 in Friendly

It was another bad day for Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and almost all Argentina’s fans. Despite finding an equalizer at the Vicente Calderon against Spain during a friendly match at the weekend, a late penalty from Xabi Alonso killed off the visitors.

Spain were the better side the whole of the 90 minutes. Having taking control of the game right from the referee’s whistle, the Spanish players were more likely to get the opener, and indeed, they did.

A confusing partnership from Xavi, Silva, Iniesta and David Villa enabled Xabi Alonso to get into the box in time to tap the ball home for Spain’s first goal.

Argentina couldn’t find their way throughout the first half, and lack of organization cost them the negative score line before the break.

In the second half, Lionel Messi was hoping to get his name on the scoring sheet for his country for the first time in several months, and luckily, a foul from substitute Raul Albiol on Maxi Rodriguez gave him the chance to do so from the penalty spot.

Messi did no mistake, as he easily scored Argentina’s equalizer.

Spain then attempted to impose themselves in the game for another time, but their moment did not come until the dying minutes, when Demichelis handled the ball inside the box, only for the official to award Spain a penalty.

Xabi Alonso nicely responded with his second of the night, and eventually, his winner has now placed Argentina in greater danger ahead of next year’s Fifa World Cup, as their chances of succeeding are getting more and more reduced.

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