Lionel Messi was the hero and Carlos Tévez the villain during Argentina’s 2-1 defeat by Colombia in Tuesday night’s World Cup qualifier in Bogotá. Messi, playing as a lone forward after Tévez was sent off in the 25th minute, slipped past three Colombia defenders to put Argentina ahead just before half-time, but the home side capitalised on their numerical advantage and playing at high altitude to fight back for a famous win.

“They are the two young symbols of the national team,” El ClarÍn, the Buenos Aires daily newspaper, said. “Lionel Messi and Carlos Tévez had key roles in the night of the defeat. One made us laugh, the other made us cry. Messi, once more, was Argentina’s high point and scored a Maradona-inspired goal. Tévez was irresponsible.”

The Manchester United forward was sent off allegedly for kicking Ruben Dario Bustos, the Colombia full back, in an off-the-ball incident. But the decision by the referee, after consulting his assistant, appeared harsh. Tévez, who has played ten international matches without scoring since his goal in the Copa America against the United States in June, will miss Argentina’s next qualifying game, at home to Ecuador on June 14. If he gets a three-match suspension, he will be ruled out of the visit to Brazil three days later and the game at home to Paraguay in September.

Tévez’s sending-off appeared to galvanise Argentina because 12 minutes later, Messi stunned supporters at the El Campin Stadium with his eighth goal in 26 internationals. The Barcelona player nearly added a second five minutes after half-time, but his shot went narrowly wide and Colombia took full advantage, with goals from a free kick by Bustos in the 62nd minute and Dayro Moreno, the substitute, eight minutes from time.

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