Lionel Messi showcases his brilliance once again, driving Argentina to triumph over the Socceroos.
Lionel Messi once again displayed his brilliance on the field, leading Argentina to victory as they defeated a determined Australian team with a 2-0 scoreline in Beijing. The match began with an astonishing feat from Messi, who found the back of the net just two minutes into the game. This remarkable strike, a beautifully curled shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Maty Ryan, marked the fastest goal of Messi’s illustrious career. His exceptional skill and precision were on full display, setting the tone for Argentina’s triumph in this friendly encounter.
After Argentina’s dominant start, where they had several scoring opportunities in the opening 15 minutes, Australia found their footing and began to counter-attack effectively. The Australian striker, Mitch Duke, came close to equalizing midway through the first half with a powerful header from a Riley McGree cross, only to be denied by a remarkable save from Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez.
Both teams continued to create chances in what turned out to be a closely contested match. However, it was Argentina who extended their lead when German Pezzella met a precise cross from Rodrigo De Paul and emphatically headed the ball into the net. The Socceroos’ defense was left exposed, with some sloppy marking contributing to the goal.
Australia fought valiantly, pushing for a goal that could have made the game more intriguing. Despite their efforts, Argentina managed to maintain their advantage until the final whistle. Lionel Messi, as expected, showcased his exceptional skills and entertained the capacity crowd at the Workers’ Stadium with his class and brilliance throughout the match.
Argentina vs Australia Final Score
| Team | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Full Time | Goal Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 1 | 1 | 2 | Messi 2′, Pezzella 68′ |
| Australia | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Argentina Lineups
4-3-3, right to left: 23. Martinez — 26. Molina, 13. Romero, 19. Otamendi, 8. Acuna — 7. De Paul, 24. Enzo Fernández, 20. Mac Allister — 11. Di María, 10. Messi (c), 15. Gonzalez
Australia Lineups
4-2-2-2, right to left: 1. Ryan (c) — 3. Atkinson, 19. Souttar, 4. Rowles, 5. Bos — 6. O’Neill, 20. Baccus — 7. Leckie, 14. McGree — 9. Maclaren, 15. Duke
