Brazil vs Argentina head to head: Messi magic, red cards and controversy - six classic matches

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Tom Doyle14 November 2019

Brazil and Argentina go head to head again in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Friday.

The old rivals certainly have a storied history, with the Selecao edging this famous fixture with 46 wins to Argentina's 39, and 25 draws.

There were fireworks the last time these two nations met back in July this year, and though Friday may be a friendly, expect more drama.

Here is a look back at some of the biggest meetings between the south American rivals...

Brazil 3-1 Argentina | July 1982, World Cup

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The brilliant Brazil side of Socrates, Zico and Falcao got the better of their rivals in a group clash in Barcelona.

Their goals came from Zico, Junior and Serginho. Argentina, who had Diego Maradona sent off late on, scored a last-minute consolation through Ramon Diaz.

Argentina 1-0 Brazil | June 1990, World Cup

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Claudio Caniggia raced on to a Maradona pass eight minutes from time to score the only goal in a fiercely-contested last-16 clash in Turin.

Controversy followed when it was claimed Brazil's Branco was given a bottle of water spiked with tranquiliser by Argentina during the game.

Argentina 3-2 Brazil | July 1991, Copa America

There were five goals and five red cards in a ferocious clash in Santiago. Franco struck early for Argentina before a Branco equaliser.

Franco and Gabriel Batistuta put Argentina back ahead before Joao Paulo pulled one back. Caniggia and Mazinho were sent off after a clash.

Further red cards went to Carlos Enrique for Argentina and Marcio Santos and Careca for Brazil.

Brazil 4-1 Argentina | June 2005, Confederations Cup

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Brazil turned on the style as the sides met in the 2006 World Cup warm-up tournament in Frankfurt.

Early goals from Adriano and Kaka set them on their way before Ronaldinho volleyed a third and Adriano added another. Argentina's effort came from Pablo Aimar.

Argentina 4-3 Brazil | June 2012, friendly

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The two sides tend not to hold back even when playing each other in friendlies and they played out a classic in New Jersey.

Lionel Messi settled an absorbing contest by completing a hat-trick late on.

Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marcelo were then sent off after an altercation in injury time. Federico Fernandez scored Argentina's other goal, while Romulo, Oscar and Hulk struck for Brazil.

Brazil 2-0 Argentina | July 2019, Copa America semi-final

Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino were on target as the Selecao defeated their bitter rivals 2-0 in Belo Horizonte to secure a place in the Copa America final on home soil.

Argentina, who last won the tournament in 1993, had hit the crossbar in the first half through Sergio Aguero's header, while Messi was struck the post.

AFP via Getty Images

Afterwards, the Barcelona playmaker accused the referee of bias. "The officiating was crazy," the Argentina captain said. "He (the referee) was on their side. In every divided ball or dispute, he inclined the pitch their way."

Additional reporting by PA.

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