Messi scores quickest goal of career as Argentina beat Aussies 2-0 in China

Beijing, Jun 15 (EFE).- Lionel Messi scored the fastest goal of his career Thursday as he led world champions Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Australia in a friendly match at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing.

Many fans had not even taken their seats by the time Messi had opened the scoring, picking the ball up on the edge of the box before curling a typically brilliant left footed strike into the net just 79 seconds after kick-off.

The reigning FIFA World Cup holders had chances to extend their lead through Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool’s latest signing – and Messi, with Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo de Paul controlling the middle of the park against an overmatched Australian side.

The Socceroos did manage to get a foothold and even troubled Emiliano Martinez in the Argentina goal on two occasions, with the post coming to the goalkeeper’s aid.

The second half, as so often with such friendly matches, saw the introduction of a host of substitutes, including Manchester-based duo Julian Alvarez and Alejandro Garnacho, that broke up the pace of the game.

Argentina doubled their lead on 67 minutes, Germán Pezzella heading in De Paul’s cross.

The Albiceleste will take on Indonesia in another friendly next week in Jakarta. EFE

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