Messi Scores Winner on Argentina Return

Messi is back with a bang

After the stir caused by his abrupt, short-lived international retirement, Lionel Messi was the hero for Argentina as he scored the winner in their 1-0 win over Uruguay in World Cup qualifying on Thursday.

The win marked a winning start for new coach Edgardo Bauza, as the Albiceleste now climb ahead of Uruguay and to the top of the South America qualification standings after seven games.

With banners and songs to welcome him back to the fold, Messi pulled the strings as Argentina dominated possession in Mendoza, although clear cut chances were few and far between as both sides defended resolutely.

Messi struck a free-kick, which came off the wall, before Mathias Corujo skied a good opportunity at the other end.

Paulo Dybala came closest to breaking the deadlock just after the half-hour mark, with the Juventus striker’s shot coming off the post and off the back of Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera and out for a corner.

Luis Suarez, returning to the side after a disappointing outing at the Copa America Centenario, sent a free-kick straight into the hands of Sergio Romero, before Messi had an effort blocked by Gimenez.

However, the five-time ballon d’Or winner was not to be denied two minutes later as he found the back of the net – his 56th goal for Argentina – after his shot took a heavy deflection from Gimenez, wrong-footing Muslera.

Argentina seemed to be cruising until Dybala received a second yellow right before the break in rather harsh circumstances, following a soft foul on Corujo.

Uruguay used the extra man to their advantage to control more of the possession, but Messi almost doubled Argentina’s lead in the 52nd minute with a superb curling free-kick that forced a fingertip save from Muslera.

The visitors continued to press but Suarez and strike partner Edinson Cavani couldn’t breach the Argentine defence, as they suffered their second defeat of the qualifiers.