Football world champions Argentina have won the first of two friendlies on their Asian tour, led by the flamboyant superstar Lionel Messi.
The captain of the national team scored the first goal for the South Americans in a 2-0 (1-0) win over Australia in the second minute. Messi scored his 103rd goal after just 79 seconds, the fastest of his career, according to Argentine media. In front of 70,000 eager spectators, German Besella (68th) led the way to a deserved victory.
Two Messis on the field
Just before making it 2-0, a streaker surprised Messi. Argentina stood near the corner flag as a fan wearing Messi’s number 10 Argentina national jersey hugged the star. Confused at first, the exam captain then put his hand on the man’s back. The intruder continued to high-five Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez across the field before being escorted away by security.
Lionel Messi (left) and the pacer on the pitch
From China, Argentina travel to Jakarta where they play a friendly against Indonesia on Monday. For the world champions, this is the last official meeting before qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. There, 35-year-old Messi and his teammates will face Ecuador and Bolivia in September.
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