VIDEO Germany 1-3 Argentina: Highlights; Messi Helps Argentina to Victory in Frankfurt Friendly

Argentina recorded an impressive victory on their travels as they beat 10-man Germany 3-1 in Frankfurt.

The home side were hamstrung from the 30 minute-mark as their goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler was sent off in the first half for a foul in the area. But while Lionel Messi missed the resulting penalty, it would not prevent Argentina form going on to get the victory through an own goal from Sami Khedira and second-half strikes from Messi and Angel Di Maria, before Benedikt Howedes pulled one back late on..

In an entertaining first half, both sides spurned chances to take the lead. Gonzalo Higuain had perhaps the best of them as he volleyed over from right in front of goal after a fine cross from Marcos Rojo. Mesut Ozil came close just minutes later as his effort from Miroslav Klose's cross was blocked well by Sergio Romero.

The real drama, though, came on the half-hour mark. Jose Sosa raced onto a through ball and just got his foot to the ball ahead of the on-rushing Zieler before being brought to the turf by the goalkeeper's follow-through. Though it may have beena friendly, the referee applied the letter of the law to show Zieler red.

Coming on for Thomas Muller, Marc-Andre ter Stegen was faced with the ominous first task of trying to stop Lionel Messi's spot kick. But that's exactly what he did as Messi struck too close to the keeper's left and Ter Stegen got down well to hold onto the ball.

Germany's reprieve would not last for long, however. Just before half-time a calamitous error saw Argentina go into the break in front.

Angel Di Maria whipped the corner into the near post for what should have been a simple clearance for Khedira, but he completely missed the volley and the ball cannoned off his standing leg and beat the despairing dive of Ter Stegen at his near post.

It did not take long after the break for Argentina to increase their advantage.

A lovely move from Alejandro Sabella's side led to Higuain pulling the ball back perfectly to the edge of the area for Messi to sweep home low into the net and atone for his earlier missed penalty.

In the 73rd minute, Argentina put the exclamation point on their win with a stunning strike. The ball broke to Di Maria fully 30 yards from goal and he struck an unstoppable drive first-time to leave Ter Stegen shell-shocked.

Messi almost made it four as his effort was pushed onto the post by Ter Stegen, before Germany restored a semblance of pride nine minutes from time. Mario Gotze chipped the ball back from the byline on the right to find his fellow substitute Howedes who produced a wonderful diving header to send the ball flying into the far side of the net past Romero.

The action wasn't over yet, however, as Higuain again came close to finding the net; this time striking the crossbar.