Argentina Vs. Brazil: Fake Clasicos Are Still Clasicos

It was never the case that Messi wasn’t good for Argentina, but it became a popular opinion for stupid people. Now he’s out to prove even to the stupid people that he’s plenty good for Argentina. Like really, really good.

For those of you saying, “It’s only a friendly,” consider that this hat trick comes a week after he pulled the strings for Argentina in their 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Ecuador. See, competitive match.

After 10 frantic minutes to open the half, it was Brazil who found the equalizer in the 56th minute. Oscar passed the ball in to the box to Leandro Damiao who immediately returned the ball to him with a great one touch pass as he charged in toward goal. Oscar was alone against Sergio Romero and beat the keeper with low shot to pull the match back to 2-2.

Brazil took the lead back in the 72nd minute. Neymar’s corner was tipped by Romero, allowing it to fall down to Hulk who didn’t wait for the ball to hit the ground, striking it out of the air and burying his shot to put Brazil up 3-2. You might say Hulk smashed it.

Minute later Messi was back for more. Angel Di Maria was the maestro this time, finding Messi with a precise pass that once again allowed the magical striker to move in alone against Barbosa. This time, Messi got the keeper to commit off his line, before moving the ball outside and easily putting the ball in the empty net. Magical stuff from the best player in the world.

Brazil settled down a bit after the two quick goals. Neymar had a great chance right before halftime to pull Brazil back equal, but his shot was blocked by Romero.

The biggest friendly that really doesn’t matter in the big scheme of things is getting ready to kickoff at the MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands. Lots of big names in the starting lineups for both sides, so despite this not being a match that counts for anything, it should still be a great show.

Brazil: Rafael Cabral; Rafael Silva Bruno Uvini, Juan Jesus, Marcelo, Alex Sandro; Rômulo, Oscar; Neymar, Leandro Damiao, Hulk.

Whenever Brazil and Argentina meet in World Cup qualifying or Copa America, it’s always really awesome. Unfortunately, both teams were bad in the most recent Copa America and Brazil don’t have to qualify for the World Cup that they’re hosting. Argentina are still making time to play them, however. They’re the one South American team with a bye during this round of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, so they’re playing a preparatory/money-making friendly against Brazil.

Brazil and Argentina, as they often do with friendlies, have decided to take their game north to the New York area to cash in on the fact that they are very popular. They’ll be playing in front of a whole bunch of people in the Meadowlands, and both teams are expected to run out their first teams.