Lionel Messi scored his fastest career goal in a 2-0 win for Argentina against Australia in an international friendly match. Messi contributed to Argentina’s second goal, assisting German Pezzella in the 68th minute at Beijing’s Worker’s Stadium.
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Earlier in the match, Messi swiftly scored a goal after only 1 minute and 19 seconds, shortly after deciding to leave PSG for Inter Miami. Chinese fans wore the iconic blue-and-white national team shirts, as Messi’s goal came about after Enzo Fernandez passed to him. He dribbled past Aiden O Neill on the edge of the penalty area and struck the ball into the net.
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Although Messi had additional opportunities to score, Australia gradually regained momentum in the game, similar to their performance in the 2-1 loss to Argentina during the World Cup in Qatar. Argentina’s goalkeeper, Martinez, made a remarkable save as Mitch Duke’s shot hit the post. Messi himself had a chance to score before halftime but missed the target when faced with only the goalkeeper.
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In the second half, Messi once again came close to scoring, this time from a free kick in the 65th minute. He also played a crucial role in Argentina’s second goal, passing the ball near the corner flag to Rodrigo De Paul, who then provided a cross for Pezzella to head the ball into the net.
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Argentina is scheduled to travel to Jakarta for a match against Indonesia on Monday, while Australia will face England in October as they prepare for the Asian Cup in Qatar in January.
