Messi misses first-half penalty as Argentina lose 2-0 to Brazil in 'Superclasico' friendly

Argentina football team captain Lionel Messi missed a first-half penalty as his team lost 2-0 to Brazil in a fiercely fought 'Superclasico' friendly in Beijing on Saturday.

Atletico Mineiro striker Diego Tardelli was the unlikely hero with his first two goals for Brazil as Messi fluffed his lines with a tame spot-kick at the Bird's Nest stadium. Tardelli put Brazil ahead on 28 minutes, before Messi curled his soft penalty attempt close to goalkeeper Jefferson just before halftime.

And Tardelli was on target again midway through the second half as Brazil restored pride after the World Cup, when the hosts lost in the semifinals while Argentina reached the final, Sport24 reported.

Argentina was on top early in the match and Sergio Aguero fired an inviting early chance over the bar before midfielder Angel Di Maria threatened with a drive from distance.

But it was Tardelli who broke the deadlock when he pounced on a loose ball and volleyed past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero in the 28th minute.

Brazil superstar Neymar should have made it 2-0 shortly afterwards but after wriggling his way free on goal, he made a hash of his shot and the ball rolled harmlessly wide.

Argentina got a golden chance to equalise when Danilo was judged to have fouled Di Maria in the box, prompting angry Brazilian players to surround Chinese referee Fan Qi.

Messi looked certain to bury the spot-kick but the four-time world player of the year shot too close to Brazilian 'keeper Jefferson, who dived to his right for a simple stop.

Filipe Luis and Di Maria had chances at either end as the second half started energetically, and Oscar went close with a free kick after Martin Demichelis chopped down Neymar.

But again Tardelli was in the right place at the right time as he nodded in Oscar's cross at the back post to give Brazil breathing space in the 64th minute, the report added.