Lionel Messi scores winner as Argentina comes from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in friendly

Argentina's Lionel Messi scores a goal during the international friendly soccer match between Argentina and Croatia at the Boleyn Ground in London, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (The Associated Press)

Argentina's Lionel Messi vies for the ball with Croatia's Marin Leovac during the international friendly soccer match between Argentina and Croatia at the Boleyn Ground in London, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (The Associated Press)

LONDON – Lionel Messi scored the winner from the penalty spot as World Cup runner-up Argentina came from behind to beat Croatia 2-1 in a friendly on Wednesday.

Messi's goal in the 57th minute came after striker Sergio Aguero was judged to have been brought down by Croatia goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic when trying to round him. Messi stroked the ball into the bottom right corner as Kalinic dived the wrong way.

Playing at West Ham's ground in east London, Croatia took a deserved lead in the 11th minute when Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero parried the ball into the path of striker Anas Sharbini, who slotted home.

Defender Christian Ansaldi equalized for Argentina in the 49th minute after his shot from the edge of the penalty area was deflected past Kalinic by Aguero.