Lionel Messi scores last-minute penalty to earn Argentina 2-2 friendly draw with Uruguay

Lionel Messi scored a late penalty to claim a 2-2 draw for Argentina against Uruguay in Tel Aviv on Monday night.

The Albiceleste appeared to be heading for defeat as they trailed in added time, but a handball by Martin Caceres gave Messi the chance to level it and the Barcelona forward slotted low past Martin Campana to make it 2-2.

Earlier, his Barca team-mate Luis Suarez had hit what looked like being the winner for Uruguay when he smashed in a free-kick from just outside the box which Albiceleste goalkeeper Esteban Andrada could only help in.

That came with 69 minutes on the clock and was a blow to Argentina after Lionel Scaloni’s side had got back into the game not long before through Sergio Aguero.

Uruguay took the lead after 34 minutes, when Edinson Cavani slid in to slot home from a Suarez cross after fine play from Fede Valverde in midfield.

Argentina, fresh from beating Brazil in Riyadh on Friday, came out on the offensive in the second half and both Messi and Paulo Dybala saw efforts flash just wide.

Their equaliser came after 63 minutes, when Messi whipped in a dangerous ball from the left which only needed a touch from Aguero to head past Campana.

And although that joy was short-lived as Suarez soon restored Uruguay’s lead, Messi had the final say as he converted in the second minute of stoppage time to seal a 2-2 draw and make it a fine few days for Argentina after their win over Brazil on Friday.