Martin Demichelis netted the only goal of the game, the Bayern Munich defender nodding home Messi's pinpoint free-kick four minutes into the second half to settle an absorbing encounter in front of over 70,000 fans.

Basile told TyC Sports: "I think Messi played a wonderful game, but he just failed to score."

The coach added that he was happy with the performance of the new faces in the team as he prepares his troops for their upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, which gets under way against Chile on October 13.

"That is what I was looking for," Basile said. "I liked the performances of Demichelis and Jonas Gutierrez."

Meanwhile, Barcelona star Messi admitted the result was a welcome fillip for Argentina after their 2-1 defeat in Norway last month.

"We needed to win after the way we played in Norway," Messi said.

"The team showed different attitude against very tough rivals. They were very big.

"This win is useful to gain confidence and make fans get calmer, as they were not satisfied with what we've been doing recently."