MELBOURNE (Reuters) – A second-half header from Martin Demichelis gave Argentina a 1-0 victory in an entertaining friendly against Australia yesterday.

After both sides had clattered the woodwork at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the Bayern Munich defender got the faintest of glances on the inspirational Lionel Messi's inswinging freekick on 49 minutes to claim the spoils.

Messi had struck the post for the South Americans in the first half and was a constant danger to the home defence.

"He was fabulous," Argentina coach Alfio Basile told reporters. "He brings a lot of fantasy into the game like Ronaldinho.

"He is always doing the unexpected and it is something that is unique. He's obviously an immense talent."

With Basile fielding a strong starting line-up and Australia without most of their Premier League contingent, it was the hosts who surprised with the best early chance.

Mark Bresciano's angled drive beat goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri on seven minutes but was stopped on the line by Demichelis.

Carlos Tevez just failed to get a toe on a cross from Jonas Gutierrez, before the Manchester United forward provided Gabriel Heinze with a chance at the far post only for the left-back to balloon the ball into the stands.

Messi capped a fine spell of Argentine pressure by cutting inside his man and smacking the inside of the post with a low left-foot effort from 25 metres.

The South Americans enjoyed a miraculous escape on 25 minutes when Bresciano's 30-metre free-kick was palmed on to the bar by Abbondanzieri.