No Lionel Messi, no problem for Argentina as the reigning, defending World Cup winners tore through Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

During the break, Brazil sought to get some grip by boosting its presence in the midfield with Joao Gomes and the substitution of Murillo and striker Rodrygo. But it was to no avail, with Giuliano Simeone scoring for Argentina in the 71st minute.

Julian Alvarez delivered a brutal dig at Brazil after being asked about Lionel Messi not playing in Argentina's 4-1 victory. Argentina claimed a huge win over Brazil in their World Cup qualifier on Wednesday. Alvarez opened the scoring in the fourth minute before Chelsea 's Enzo Fernandez doubled his team's lead just eight minutes later.