Friendlies review (1 of 2): Messi is the biggest winner

Some of the today's friendlies carried a lot of the psychological and political importance. Here is a review of some

Argentina x Brazil:
Not very exciting game, Brazil was better as a team. Argentina looked paled and fragmented. Still no team work. However, plitically, it was very important win for the 'temporary' coach Batista. This means he might continue for a longer time with Argentina.

Also, Messi scored a goal to remember, with a great 'One-two' run from midfield around four defenders. He also had a great chance in the first half.


again, this goal will remind people of Maradona great run in 1990 vs. Brazil . Of course Maradona run was more important and difficult. But, from aesthetic point of view, there are some similarities.

Also, I think this goal - together with many recent beautiful goals - for Messi, will give him a lot of credit and enhance his chances to win the Golden Ball award for this year.

In my opinion, he will win it with tight difference with Xavi, Iniesta and Schnieder. Despite only having one league title, and failing in the WC, he still got big chances to win it, just like Marco Van Basten in 1992. He won Italian league, but failed in Euro 92, he still won it with some memorable goals.