NEW JERSEY: Argentina wizard Lionel Messi was on cloud nine after contributing with a memorable hat-trick as they edged Brazil 4-3 in a thriller at MetLife Stadium this morning,  insisting the sheen was not taken off by the fact it was a friendly.

Messi was certainly the headline act in a sensational contest in front of 82,000 fans between the South American giants which saw the 24-year-old seal the win with a superb third goal in the 85th minute.

Romulo, Oscar and Hulk were on target for Brazil, with Federico Fernandez scoring the goal that tied the score at 3-3.

"This kind of triumph make us stronger as a team and group and helps us to grow up even more. Despite being a friendly, it is always nice to defeat Brazil. I'm also very happy with my three goals, it's not common see seven goals in Argentina versus Brazil," said Messi.

Argentina fielded a near full-strength side, while Brazil opted for a younger-looking Olympic-style squad.

His side's selection policy clearly found favor with Messi. 

"It is very nice to play with huge players like Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain. This result is good for and for for them, for all my teammates," he said.

Messi also revealed he had swapped shirts with Brazilian ace Neymar, who created two of his side's goals. 

"He always spoke well of me. He is a great player and after the match we exchanged shirts," he said.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella was pleased by the efforts of his side but understandably by Messi in particular.

"Fortunately, Messi is Argentinian and we can enjoy him," he said. "Messi is an extraordinary player and he has been for a long time. In the national team his recent performances have been good for us and today's game was great.

"We played against a team who have a great attacking power. It was a very exciting duel for the crowd."

Manchester City star Aguero was equally blown away by his strike partner's performance. 

"Messi does not surprise me anymore. He is the world's best player, no question about it. He won three (Fifa) Ballon d'Or and he is competing for another one. He will be the best player in the world until he retires," said Aquero.

Meanwhile, Chile beat Venezuela 2-0 in Puerto la Cruz this morning to top the South American 2014 World Cup qualifier standings.