Brazil 0-1 Argentina: Gabriel Jesus misses a sitter as Jorge Sampaoli's side seal morale-boosting friendly win

Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus missed an open goal before being carried off on a stretcher as Brazil lost to Argentina in Melbourne.

Argentina came out on top as Gabriel Mercardo's strike on the stroke of half-time gave Jorge Sampaoli the perfect start to his tenure in a fiercely-contested friendly.

Jesus had a glorious chance to restore parity in the second half as he rounded Sergio Romero only for his effort to come back off the post before the City star was replaced in stoppage time following a knock to the face.

Argentina took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Sevilla defenderu00a0Gabriel Mercado — Argentina took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Sevilla defender Gabriel Mercado

Mercardo was on hand to prod into the empty net after Nicolas Otamendi's header his the post

Close to a capacity crowd watched South America's biggest footballing nations do battle

Mercardo struck in the 45th minute after Nicolas Otamendi's header came back off the post, and Brazil were unable to respond in the second half despite Willian and Jesus hitting the post.