Messi threads a clever pass to Ángel Di María, whose left‑footed shot from outside the box goes just wide of the left post. The move shows Messi dropping deep to create Argentina’s first clear chance.

Messi breaks into the box and fires a right‑footed shot from the right side of the six‑yard area, beating the goalkeeper but smashing his effort off the right post after being set up by Lucas Biglia.

From a direct free kick outside the area, Messi curls a left‑footed effort that narrowly clears the crossbar, coming close to equalizing with a trademark set piece.

At halftime Messi is replaced by Nicolás Gaitán, ending his night after 45 minutes in a tightly contested friendly.