LONDON (AP) -- Lionel Messi maintained his scoring form for Argentina and Brazil recovered in style from its loss in the Olympic final as the South American powers enjoyed impressive victories in international friendlies on Wednesday.
Once criticized for not reproducing his Barcelona form on the international stage, Messi took his tally for Argentina to nine goals in the last five matches by netting the team's second in a 3-1 win over 10-man Germany.
Brazil won 3-0 in Sweden, with Alexandre Pato grabbing two late goals in front of national-team great Pele, who was in the crowd in Rasunda stadium where he scored twice in the 1958 World Cup final.
England beat Italy 2-1 and France drew 0-0 with Uruguay in other high-profile friendlies. World champion Spain plays Puerto Rico later.
sign out Welcome,
(edit)