Sublime Messi goal caps Argentine win in France

¹²³ · Feb 12, 2009

Lionel Messi netted a sublime second-half goal to complete a 2-0 friendly win against France on Wednesday, ensuring Diego Maradona maintained his perfect start as Argentina coach.

Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez collected a Sergio Aguero cross from the right and fired past France keeper Steve Mandanda to put the visitors ahead four minutes before the interval.

But the icing on the cake was Messi's goal seven minutes from time, the Barcelona forward slotting the ball past Mandanda following an impressive slalom through the defence.

It was Maradona's second victory in two matches since he took over as Argentina coach last November.

"It's extremely positive," said Maradona, who started his job with a 1-0 win over Scotland in November but knew World Cup finalists France would be a tougher nut to crack.

"After 20 minutes, my players had possession of the ball and when they do, it's great because we don't have to defend.

"I have a fantastic squad. All the tactics we had discussed, the players applied them."

Argentina started cautiously but Gutierrez's strike gave them the confidence to frustrate France.

The home side were pressing high, with Franck Ribery and Yoann Gourcuff harassing Argentina's defensive midfielders.

Real Madrid's new signing Lassana Diarra, who was paired with Lyon's Jeremy Toulalan, was in charge of Messi and he did not let him have an inch of space in the opening 15 minutes.

In the 16th, however, the Barcelona forward pierced through the French defence only for his low drive to be deflected by William Gallas.
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Colonel Ronan · Feb 12, 2009

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