For the story it will be that the 2019 Superclass of the Americas was resolved in favor of Argentina by 0-1 thanks to a goal by Leo Messi. And although it is a bit after the rejection of a penalty stopped by Alisson in a friendly tournament with an exclusive collection effort, it bears the symbolism of succeeding in the return of the Barça star to his selection after three months of sanction. His accusations of "corruption" to CONMEBOL after losing to Brazil the semifinal of the last Copa América drove him away during five meetings of the albiceleste. Messi returned in time to collect in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) his small - and insufficient - revenge against Brazil whose only good news was the debut of Real Madrid Rodrygo 20 minutes from the end.

Like now the RFEF with the Supercup, CONMEBOL has been selling the Superclassic of the Americas to Saudi Arabia for two years. Only the money of the dictatorship explains the presence of Argentina and Brazil playing in that country a South American tournament that was born as a duel to two parties, each in one country. That model gave little money, so better sell it to the highest bidder, whoever it is. Too many similarities with the Spanish Super Cup to ignore the comparison.

Beyond ethical issues that in today's football seem secondary or irrelevant, the victory went to an Argentina that is far from its golden years. Despite his absence of titles with his selection, we must recognize the merit of Messi.

Five games without winning

It has to be a tremendous shock to go from playing surrounded by some of the best in the world with Barcelona to do it with the current Albiceleste team, in which there is room for a footballer, Nico González, who plays in the German second division. Without Dybala or Agüero, on the bench, there were hardly two regular holders in Champions teams (Tagliafico in Ajax and Lautaro in Inter) assisting Barça striker.

Player by player -Messi on the sidelines, of course-, Brazil is now a much better selection than Argentina. It happens, however, that Scaloni seems to be right when making a competitive group, while Brazil has been deflating after winning the Copa America this summer. Sum since then five games without winning.

The story this Friday could have been very different if in the 10th minute Gabriel Jesus had not sent out a clear penalty from Paredes. But the one from City missed the pitch, just like Messi was going to do three minutes later. The difference was that the Argentine was directed at least between the three sticks, which led to the stop of Alisson and that the '10' mark in the rebound.

Without rhythm or occasions

It was, in general, a match to burn after watching, lacking rhythm and with few clear occasions. Brazil dominated in the first half thanks to the enormous problems of Argentina to play the ball from behind, but the pentacampeona deflated after the break, when the carousel of changes began.

One of them led to Rodrygo's debut. The Madrid striker barely enjoyed prominence in a final stretch played in rival field. Messi completed the 90 minutes although, in fact, little did beyond the goal. Enough, in any case, to raise the damaged self-esteem of Argentina in this Superclassic sold to Saudi petrodollars.

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  • sports
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  • Argentina National Soccer Team
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  • Éder Militao

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