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Argentina beat Croatia 2-1 with Lionel Messi scoring the winner with a penalty in the second half at West Ham’s home ground Upton Park in London on Wednesday night.
Croatia had initially taken the lead when Mateo Kovacic scored his first international goal with a shot that curled past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
Argentina then equalized in controversial circumstances when Cristian Ansaldi's shot was deflected into the net off Sergio Aguero’s arm.
Messi then found Aguero with a through ball but the Manchester City striker was fouled in the box by Croatia goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic. Messi stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to score what was ultimately the winning goal.
Croatia had fielded a weakened side with players like Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric, Mario Mandzukic and Dejan Lovren not in the squad.
Meanwhile, it was an emotional return for two former West Ham players Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Tevez recieved thunderous applause when he came on for Aguero in the 62nd minute.
Argentina will now play their next game at Old Trafford against Portugal.
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