Diego Tardelli's first two senior international goals helped Brazil to record a 2-0 victory over South American rivals Argentina in Beijing this afternoon.

The scoreline could have been different, however, had Argentine skipper Lionel Messi converted a penalty in the closing stages of the first half with his side trailing 1-0.

Messi and Argentina dominated the opening exchanges inside the Bird's Nest Arena, but they were largely confined to attempts from distance, none of which tested Jefferson in the Brazilian goal.

Meanwhile, up the other end, Brazil scored with what was their first meaningful shot on goal in the 28th minute. Argentina's Manchester City defensive duo Martin Demichelis and Pablo Zabaleta failed to clear Oscar's cross and, when the ball dropped for Tardelli, he sent an instant volley across Sergio Romero and into the far corner of the net.

Moments later, Neymar spurned the chance to double his side's advantage when he opted to pass rather than shoot and it seemed that it would be a costly miss when right-back Danilo was adjudged to have fouled Angel di Maria inside the area in the 41st minute. Messi stepped up to take the resultant penalty, but Jefferson guessed correctly and palmed clear the Barcelona star's effort, before Marcos Rojo turned the rebound wide..

Five-time World Cup winners Brazil started the second half much the brighter of the two sides and, after left-back Filipe Luis had lashed his effort well wide, they scored a second goal in the 64th minute. Oscar's corner was flicked on by David Luiz and an unmarked Tardelli was able to head the ball into the net at the back post.

It was a goal that all but ended the tie as a contest, although Messi did test Jefferson with a strike from distance, while Neymar saw a chipped effort land on the roof of Romero's net.

The victory was Brazil's 44th over La Albiceleste, who have beaten the Yellows 38 times.