It was a defeat to their great rivals.
Argentina succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to rivals Brazil in Beijing and although it was a friendly the loss will be no less painful for the Argentinians.
SEE ALSO:
Brazil v Argentina combined XI.
Neymar skills v Zabaleta.
Angel di Maria penalty – midfielder wins spot-kick for his team.
Here’s how their players rated at the Bird’s Nest Stadium.
Sergio Romero – 7
Despite conceding two goals this was a good display from the goalkeeper who looked assured from crosses and set pieces and was let down by his defence.
Pablo Zabaleta – 5
Not a great game from the Manchester City right-back who struggled to deal with the waves of attack from the Brazilians.
Federico Fernandez – 6
It was an all round poor showing from the nation at the back, but this central defender wasn’t the worst culprit as Neymar and Diego Tardelli bore down on them.
Martin Demichelis – 4
Looked lost as FC Barcelona superstar Neymar beat him for pace again and again and this could well be the year Demichelis loses his place for club and country.
Marcos Rojo – 6
Probably the pick of a bad bunch as the Manchester United left-back managed to do his job well and keep Willian reasonably quiet – although could have been better going forward.
Angel di Maria – 8
As has been the case a lot recently was his side’s best player, winning a penalty – although it was rather suspect – and looked threatening whenever he had the ball.
Roberto Pereyra – 5
Didn’t look at all comfortable in central midfield and looked happy to be out of it when he was substituted.
Javier Mascherano – 5
Usually so assured the Barca man was all at sea in this one and was the main culprit as the Brazilians doubled their lead.
Erik Lamela – 5
Drafted back into the side after a good start to the season with Tottenham Hotspur, but will have done little to impress manager Gerardo Martino.
Sergio Aguero – 7
It will be pleasing for City boss Manuel Pellegrini that this striker looked so sharp and along with di Maria was the only real positive.
Lionel Messi – 4
Not a great day for the captain who struggled against Luiz Gustavo and missed his third penalty in four attempts to rub salt into the wounds.
Substitutions:
Enzo Perez – 5
Probably a better option than Pereyra in the middle – but only just.
Javier Pastore – 5
Also brought back into the squad, but will need to do more to stay there.
Gonzalo Higuain – 5
Came on to add some more attacking verve but failed to do so.