FCBARCELONA.CAT

05.06.2008 09:58

Xavi and Messi on target

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Barça’s Xavi and Messi played decisive roles for their national sides. Spain beat the USA 1-0 thanks to a terrific solo effort from Xavi while Messi scored one of Argentina's four goals against Mexico.

Xavi Hernàndez and Lionel Messi starred for the international teams in midweek friendlies. Xavi was the best performer in Luis Aragonés’ side, while Messi was also outstanding as his Argentine side stormed to a 4-1 win over Mexico in San Diego. He scored the second of those goals, and also laid on assists for Maxi Rodríguez and Agüero.

Xavi scores a cracker

Xavi Hernàndez scored an absolute peach of a goal at the Sardinero in Santander to give Spain a morale boosting win ahead of Euro 2008. In the 79th minute he went on a terrific turning run to beat four men on the Edge of the area and then slot the ball home past Guzan. It was the moment of the match, coming just after it had also been Xavi who had sent a free kick onto the American bar. Xavi played the full 90, minutes, as did Carles Puyol. Fernando Navarro, the Mallorca full back but a product of the Barça youth structure, made his full international debut.

Messi against Argentina

Leo Mesi was also outstanding against México in San Diego. Now former Barça man Giovani Dos Santos, who has signed for Spurs, and Rafa Marquez could do nothing to contain a mighty display by the 'albiceleste’. Messi stroked home the second of the night unchallenged after a Julio Cruz cross, and was then involved in the third and fourth goals too. Messi put such pressure on the Mexican defence that Maxi Rodríguez collected a poor clearance to make it 3-0, and following a consolation Mexican goal by Zinha, Messi supplied an excellent assist to Atletico’s Agüero to make it four.