MARSEILLE, France: Lionel Messi netted a sublime second-half goal to complete a 2-0 friendly win against France on Wednesday, ensuring Diego Maradona maintained his perfect start as Argentina coach.

Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez collected a Sergio Aguero cross from the right and fired past France keeper Steve Mandanda to put the visitors ahead four minutes before the interval.

But the icing on the cake was Messi's goal seven minutes from time, the Barcelona forward slotting the ball past Mandanda following an impressive slalom through the defence.