Messi nets treble against Brazil

Lionel Messi scored a sensational hat-trick as Argentina beat Brazil 4-3 in an enthralling friendly at the Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey.



Brazil claimed a 23rd minute lead when a quickly taken free-kick found Romulo, who banged in the goal while Argentina's defenders appealed in vain for offside.

But Gonzalo Higuain then robbed Sandro and played in Messi (31), who raced towards goal and scored with a low shot.

And the brilliant forward was soon at it again, latching onto an Angel di Maria pass and rounding goalkeeper Rafael Cabral, before turning the ball into the net.

The second-half was even more exciting, Brazil levelling when Oscar (56) scored from close range after a neat one-two, and then taking the lead when Hulk (72) volleyed home after Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero fumbled a corner.

But that lead didn't last long, Federico Fernandez (75) heading in off the post from a corner to make it 3-3 before Messi (84) won it with a wonder goal.

Having escaped his man on the right-hand touchline, the Barcelona star cut inside and then unleashed a beautiful shot from just outside the penalty area which curled past Cabral.

Brazil's Marcelo and Argentina's Ezequiel Lavezzi were then sent off after an altercation in injury time.