Lionel Messi was delighted with Argentina's win over Brazil, saying the rivalry between the South American nations was stronger than ever.
On his international return, Messi scored the only goal of the game in Riyadh as Argentina recorded a 1-0 friendly win.
The star tapped in a rebound after his penalty was saved by Alisson, while Gabriel Jesus earlier put a spot-kick wide for Brazil.
The win over Brazil was Argentina's first against their rivals since 2017 and Messi talked up the significance.
Read: Messi marks international comeback with goal against Brazil
"The rivalry is lived more than ever and it is always good to beat Brazil," he said, via Ole.
"When you win, you work better. The ideas of the coach are carried out on the pitch in another way and it is positive for what is coming."
Argentina faces Uruguay in another friendly on Monday as they continue preparations for the start of the gruelling CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying beginning in March next year.
Messi praised the defensive efforts of Lionel Scaloni's side, who stretched their unbeaten run to six games.
"There is little left for the qualifiers. There is a good team feeling," the Barcelona star said.
"On the defensive level we made a big effort."
Scaloni credits Argentina players
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni lauded the attitude of his players who he feels "gave their lives for the shirt" in Friday's 1-0 win over bitter rivals Brazil.
Lionel Messi was back in the team for the first time since the Copa America after serving a four-match ban for accusing CONMEBOL of corruption.
He scored the decisive goal early on when pouncing on the rebound after seeing Alisson save his penalty a few moments after Gabriel Jesus had also failed to convert from 12 yards.
Otherwise it was a scrappy and disjointed affair, though Argentina looked considerably more threatening in the final third and were unfortunate to not add to the score in the second half.
Despite Argentina's wastefulness after the interval, Scaloni was left overjoyed with the mentality and attitude of his team.
"I liked the second half," Scaloni told reporters. "We made changes because we wanted to test for what is to come.
"The team responded – it goes beyond who plays. They give their lives for the shirt and really played well."
Argentina remain unbeaten in their five post-Copa America matches, while Brazil – who have also played five times since lifting the trophy – are winless in that period.
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