The Barcelona star was talked out of international retirement after the summer's Copa America heartbreak and made the difference in World Cup qualifying
Lionel Messi won the battle of the Barcelona strikers to mark his international retirement u-turn, as Argentina beat Uruguay in their World Cup qualifier.
In a game of few chances Messi scored the only goal in Mendoza, aided by a deflection off Uruguay defender Jose Gimenez, to net his 56th international goal and put the Albiceleste top of the South American qualifying group.
Messi and co. held on for victory despite coming under the cosh in the second period, after Juventus starlet Paulo Dybala was sent off on the stroke of half-time.
But Argentina defended manfully in the second period, meaning Manchester United stopper Sergio Romero was hardly tested, leaving Luis Suarez and PSG hitman Edinson Cavani frustrated in the Uruguayan attack.
Argentina started brightly in Mendoza, with Messi playing a key role in proceedings, ably supported by Angel Di Maria.
Messi, cheered furiously by home fans before kick off, looked to make his mark with a couple of driving runs and efforts on goal, as the Albiceleste took the game to a Uruguay side who went into the game on top of the qualifying group.
And it was the Barcelona skipper who opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, vindicating Edgardo Bauza's decision to talk him out of walking away from the national side.
Receiving the ball 25 yards from goal, Messi shimmied beside three defenders and smashed in a low shot which deflected past Fernando Muslera and into the back of the net.
At that point Argentina looked set to coast to victory, but just two minutes later, their task was made all the more difficult when they were reduced to 10 men.
Juventus forward Dybala left the field in tears- having being handed his first start for his country by new boss Bauza - after two yellow cards.
Dybala had earlier come close to breaking the deadlock, striking the post in the 31st minute, but a second booking saw him sent inside for an early bath.
It didn't matter in the end however, as a frustrated Suarez was thwarted by a steadfast Argentina defence, leaving Messi to take the acclaim post match.
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