ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Lionel Messi scored with a spectacular 89th-minute volley, capping Argentina's comeback from a two-goal deficit in a 2-2 draw against Mexico in an international friendly on Tuesday night.
Sergio Aguero beat goalkeeper Moises Munoz in the 85th minute to cut the margin. Four minutes later, Aguero lofted a 25-yard pass over defender Oswaldo Alanis as Messi timed a burst into the penalty area. Messi let the ball bounce off his chest into the air and then, while falling, poked a 7-yard shot past Munoz at the near post.
With 49 international goals, Messi moved within seven of Argentina's record, set by Gabriel Batistuta from 1991 to 2002.
Before a pro-Mexico crowd of 82,559, the teams dealt with a temporary grass field filled with brown streaks and divots.
Javier Hernandez put El Tri ahead from the penalty spot in the 19th minute after Nicolas Otamendi took down Israel Jimenez. Hector Herrera doubled the lead in the 70th with a shot that went in off goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman.
Mexico was preparing for an Oct. 10 playoff against the United States that will determine the region's representative at the 2017 Confederations Cup. Argentina opens World Cup qualifying on Oct. 5 against Ecuador.
