Lionel Messi’s first-half goal was enough to give Argentina a deserved 1-0 win over fierce rivals Brazil in the Superclasico de las Americas clash in Riyadh on Friday evening.
The Barcelona forward, returning from a three-month ban for his controversial comments about match officials at the Copa America in July, won a spot-kick when he went down under a challenge from Alex Sandro after 12 minutes.
And although he saw his shot saved by Liverpool's Alisson Becker, he was there to slot home the rebound and give the Albiceleste the lead.
Moments before his penalty, Brazil had missed a spot-kick of their own as Gabriel Jesus was tripped by German Pezzella.
But the Manchester City forward hit a tame shot wide of Esteban Andrada’s left-hand post and Brazil were left to rue that miss.
Messi came close to a second late in the first half, but he saw his shot saved by Alisson after a run into the area.
Danilo blasted over from a tight angle in the second half, but Argentina were by far the better side after the break and Lautaro Martinez should have made it 2-0 when he hit a fierce effort over the top after bringing the ball down at the far post following a corner.
Nicolas Otamendi almost got in for a header as well in a frantic finale which was dominated by a number of substitutions from both teams.
Brazil sent Rodrygo on for his debut and also introduced Richarlison, but Tite’s team could not claim a goal and have now gone five matches without a win.
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Meanwhile, Argentina’s improvement under Lionel Scaloni continues and the Albiceleste gained a little revenge for their loss to Brazil in the Copa America semi-finals back in June.