Messi’s back with a bang

– Lionel Messi (above) scored the winner on his return from a short-lived international retirement on Thursday as Argentina defeated Uruguay to take control of South America’s 2018 World Cup qualifying race.

Messi stunned the footballing world in June after vowing to never play for Argentina again following defeat to Chile in the final of the Copa America Centenario.

But that tearful farewell was a distant memory at Mendoza’s Estadio Malvinas on Thursday as the Barcelona superstar orchestrated the 1-0 victory.

Messi, showing no sign of the groin injury which had placed a question mark against his participation, lashed home the winner on 42 minutes.

Argentina’s new coach Edgardo Bauza meanwhile saluted Messi’s commitment despite his niggling groin problem.

The coach hinted Messi may be rested for Argentina’s next match, against Venezuela on Tuesday. “If he’s not right we won’t risk him,” Bauza said.

Argentina’s win came after a superb defensive effort in the second half when they had been reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Juventus striker Paulo Dybala just before half-time.

Dybala, 22, was escorted from the pitch in tears.

Argentina’s win leaves them in first place in South America’s marathon round-robin qualifying campaign with 14 points from seven games.

Elsewhere, there was an impressive win for Brazil over Ecuador in the thin air of Quito, which is situated at a dizzying 2 850m above sea level.

Brazil had never won a qualifying game there before, but two goals from teenage prodigy Gabriel Jesus and a penalty from Neymar handed the five-time world champions a 3-0 victory.

The win left Brazil in fifth place overall in the standings with 12 points from seven games.

Paraguay meanwhile are level on 12 points with Brazil after scoring a stormy 2-1 win over South American champions Chile in Asuncion.

A fractious second half ended with Chile defender Gary Medel being sent off in the closing stages as Paraguay held on. –

Montevideo

If he’s not right we won’t risk him. I know how painful it is to suffer a groin injury.

Edgardo Bauza