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International Friendlies

Nov 12, 2014 at 7.45pm UK

Argentina
2-1
Croatia

Ansaldi (49'), Messi (57' pen.)

FT(HT: 0-1)

Sharbini (11')

Build-up

Match Report

Football

Argentina squeeze past Croatia

By Paul Gorst, Reporter

Published: November 12 2014 | 21:46

Last updated: November 13 2014 | 10:50

Goals from Cristian Ansaldi and Lionel Messi turn it around for Argentina as they beat Croatia 2-1 at Upton Park.

Argentina came back from a goal down to beat Croatia 2-1 at Upton Park this evening.

Niko Kovac's side took the lead inside the first 11 minutes when Anas Sharbini responded quickest to Mateo Kovacic's parried shot to turn beyond the goalkeeper.

Argentina defender Christian Ansaldi celebrates after scoring an equalising goal with Argentina striker Lionel Messi during the international friendly football match between Croatia and Argentina at the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park, in London on November 12, © Getty Images

Croatia did well to thwart Lionel Messi with a last-ditch tackle before Sergio Aguero stabbed wide, and the Barcelona star teed his teammate up minutes later only to see him flagged offside.

Aguero and Messi again combined towards the end of the half but the four-time Ballon d'Or winner could only fire into the side-netting.

Gerardo Martino's side were level five minutes into the second half when Atletico Madrid's Cristian Ansaldi fired home via a wicked deflection off Aguero, with replays suggesting it came of the Manchester City striker's hand.

Messi then gave the South Americans the lead from the penalty spot shortly before the hour mark after Aguero had been brought down by Croatia goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic.