Lionel Messi [/b]achieved a remarkable feat during a friendly match between Argentina and Australia on Thursday, June 15. In the game, which ended with a 2-0 victory for Argentina, Messi scored the fastest goal of his career, finding the back of the net a mere 79 seconds into the match at the vibrant Workers' Stadium in China.
The goal came as Argentina swiftly seized possession in Australia's half, with Enzo Fernandez providing a skillful assist to Messi. The Argentine superstar showcased his mesmerizing skills by evading two defenders before unleashing a sublime curling shot from outside the box, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The goal not only secured Argentina's win in the friendly match but also extended Messi's incredible goal-scoring streak for the national team. With this latest strike, Messi has now scored in an impressive seven consecutive games.
As Messi approaches his 36th birthday next week, his unwavering prowess and determination continue to shine brightly. The 68,000-capacity crowd, predominantly adorned in Argentina jerseys, created a breathtaking spectacle that fueled the players' spirits throughout the match. Even Australia coach Graham Arnold couldn't help but marvel at the overwhelming support for Argentina, humorously remarking that he couldn't see any yellow shirts around.
Argentina further solidified their dominance in the second half when Rodrigo De Paul smashed another goal for the world cup winners. A substitute, German Pezzella, found the perfect pocket of space between two defenders and headed the ball home with precision, doubling Argentina's lead and sealing their victory.
Thursday's match served as a reminder of the last-16 clash between Argentina and Australia at the previous World Cup in Qatar. On that occasion, Messi scored a goal and tormented the Socceroos' defense as the Albiceleste emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. Argentina went on to secure their first World Cup triumph in 36 years. The South Americans will conclude their Asian tour with another friendly match against Indonesia in Jakarta on Monday.
Good luck to @MLS goalies and defenders. Messi scores 1 minute in to @Argentina’s friendly vs. Australia. pic.twitter.com/DoBYQI70Sz
— Stefano Fusaro (@S_Fusaro) June 15, 2023
The 68,000-capacity crowd, predominantly adorned in Argentina jerseys, created a breathtaking spectacle that fueled the players’ spirits throughout the match.
Australia coach Graham Arnold couldn’t help but marvel at the overwhelming support for Argentina, humorously remarking that he can’t see any yellow shirts around.
Argentina further solidified their dominance in the second half when Rodrigo De Paul smashed another goal for the world cup winners. German Pezzella, who came on as a substitute, found the perfect pocket of space between two defenders and headed the ball home with precision, doubling Argentina’s lead and sealing their victory.
Thursday’s match was a re-run of the last-16 clash between Argentina and Australia at last winter’s World Cup in Qatar. On that occasion, Messi scored a goal and tormented the Socceroos’ defence as the Albiceleste won 2-1.
Argentina went on to win the World Cup [/b]for the first time in 36 years. The South Americans will round off their Asian tour on Monday when they play another friendly against Indonesia in Jakarta.