Argentina again failed to record a first win of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign after it was held to a 1-1 draw by rivals Brazil at El Monumental on Saturday (AEDT).

Ezequiel Lavezzi struck Argentina's opener as it took a deserved first-half lead before Lucas Lima scored his first goal for his country on the hour-mark.

David Luiz was shown a red card for two bookable offences within the space of two minutes late in the second half, the second for a dangerous two-footed challenge.

In their first competitive meeting in six years, it was Argentina – without star Lionel Messi due to injury – which started the brighter of the sides with two decent opportunities within the opening five minutes.

Facundo Roncaglia was the first to test the palms of Alisson with his mis-hit cross almost catching the Brazil goalkeeper unaware.

The shot-stopper parried the effort back down into the box but Gonzalo Higuain failed to convert.

Angel di Maria then skipped past David Luiz down the right of the area before darting a low strike across goal.

Argentina remained in control midway through the first half in Buenos Aires, with Ever Banega striking over from long range and the impressive Roncaglia testing Alisson's handling.

With 33 minutes played, Lavezzi deservedly put the hosts in front.

Di Maria displayed fine technique on the halfway line to find space before feeding Higuain on the edge of the box with an accurate through ball.

The Napoli striker immediately played a low central pass into the area to the incoming Lavezzi to side-foot past Alisson.

Brazil's only chance of note came soon after from a set-piece, as David Luiz headed just over the crossbar after a deep free-kick into the box.

Argentina's dominance continued after the break as Banega had his shot blocked before hitting the foot of the post at a second attempt.

Neymar – who had been kept quiet throughout the first 45 minutes – was struggling to replicate his sensational domestic form.

However, with an hour played, Brazil somehow drew level.

Dani Alves's floated pass to the back post was met by substitute Douglas Costa, who crashed his header against the crossbar.

But Lucas Lima was on hand to thump the rebounded ball on the half-volley past Sergio Romero.

Brazil's equaliser opened up the game and Higuain and Neymar went close to finding the decisive goal of the game late on but both were denied.

With seconds remaining in normal time, David Luiz was given his marching orders after picking up his second yellow card in two minutes for a late lunge.

Argentina is winless in three games and remain in eighth place in the table, while Brazil moves up to fifth.