The Botafogo man saved the Barcelona star's first-half spot-kick at the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing after Diego Tardelli had volleyed Brazil into the lead with his first international goal.
The striker struck again in the second half as Dunga’s side went on to win the 100th meeting between the two great rivals and Jefferson says his penalty heroics were down to his preparation for the match.
“I have studied the way Lionel Messi takes penalties,” Jefferson told Globo.
"I waited until the very last second to dive, so the penalty-taker has less chance. He took it on his best side, and I was very happy to save it.”
It was the 13th penalty Messi has missed in his career and Brazil goalkeeping coach Taffarel revealed Jefferson's decision to stand tall was key to keeping him out.
"We always study penalties before a game. But Messi is someone who shoots with ease both on the left and right," said the former Brazil keeper.
"Jefferson's greatest secret is that he stands still until the last minute. He was great there [against Messi] and made a great save."
"I joked with Jefferson at half-time, saying his save was worth the double... after all, we're talking a penalty save against Argentina, and against Messi.
Diego Tardelli doubled Brazil’s lead when he stooped to convert a second-half corner, giving new coach Dunga his third straight victory since returning to the post.
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