Argentina vs. Croatia: Score, Report and Reaction from International Friendly

Lionel Messi scored the winner from the penalty spot as Argentina came from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 on Wednesday in an international friendly at Upton Park in London.

Anas Sharbini had put Croatia ahead in the 11th minute before Argentina drew level controversially through Cristian Ansaldi early in the second half. Messi then fired in from the spot in 57th minute to complete the comeback.

Despite going behind to an early goal, Argentina fully deserved their victory, as noted by B/R's Mark Jones:

"

The European side impressed in the first half and led through Sharbini, but class told in the second period.

Messi was at the centre of everything and, after Aguero's fortunate equaliser which probably shouldn't have stood, the little No. 10 helped win the penalty which he converted for the winner.

"

Up next for Argentina is a match against Portugal on Tuesday at Manchester United's Old Trafford. The game could serve as a showdown of the world's top two players, Messi and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo. The latter formerly played his home matches at the club level on the same ground from 2003-09.

Croatia, meanwhile, used Wednesday's friendly as a warm-up for a key Euro 2016 qualifier at Italy on Sunday. The two teams have nine points each through their first three matches, and the winner of Sunday's match—if there is one—will take control of Group H.

Argentina entered Upton Park with the more star-studded side, but Croatia went ahead in the 11th minute against the run of play. Domagoj Antolic burst forward and laid off for Sharbini on the edge of the box. The Rijeka midfielder finished expertly in the bottom corner with a fine, first-time strike.

Argentina spent the rest of the first half pushing for an equaliser without success. In the 17th minute, Sergio Aguero flicked an Angel Di Maria cross straight at Lovre Kalinic. The Croatian goalkeeper saved again four minutes later after Aguero cut inside and shot on target.

Aguero curled a shot inches wide in the 27th minute. Ten minutes later, Messi traded passes with Ansaldi before shooting into the side netting. Messi then directed a free-kick on target in the 39th minute, but Kalinic saved again.

Croatia headed into half-time with their lead intact, but Argentina pulled level shortly after the restart—albeit in controversial circumstances.

In the 49th minute, Ansaldi tried his luck with a shot from outside the box. The ball struck Aguero's elbow on the way through to goal and sailed past Kalinic for the equaliser.

Finally level at 1-1, Argentina quickly grabbed a second goal via the penalty spot. Messi played a ball through to Aguero, who was felled by Kalinic in the box. Messi then took the spot-kick, sending Kalinic the wrong way to give Argentina a 2-1 lead.

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Carlos Tevez entered as a substitute in the 62nd minute, earning his first international cap with Argentina since 2011. The former West Ham star received a warm ovation from the fans at Upton Park.

Argentina were in complete control by that point, and in the 71st minute, Tevez shot just wide of the far post after being picked out by Messi. Kalinic then tipped over a Javier Mascherano shot from distance in the 74th minute as Argentina continued to pile on the pressure.

Messi nearly had a second goal nine minutes from time after being set up by Roberto Pereyra, but the Barcelona man's shot struck the base of the post. It mattered little in the end, though, as Argentina saw out the closing minutes without incident to claim a deserved win.

Reaction

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino (via BeIN Sports):

"

Messi was the best player for us; the right end position is a starting position (for him). Kun (Sergio Aguero) played well on the wings and back in the middle, Carlos also did what we needed from him.

…

The goal for them was a very pretty goal (but) came after our pressing. We have to improve a lot yet, but there are positive aspects.

In the second half the better team pressed with good pressure, there was a big difference between an Argentine team that can all be starters, against Croatia, with many alternatives.

I have always had the idea of seeing as many potential players as possible. There will be changes against Portugal.

"