Argentina worthy 2-0 winners but Socceroos show usual effort after superstar scores with only 120 seconds on the clock
In a low-stakes, largely commercially driven friendly, he spent most of his time ambling around to an even greater degree than normal. But his enrapturing ability to intersperse an almost ethereally laconic glide across the pitch with jagged, rapid moments of lethal intent and otherworldly skill still shone through. Further opportunities to score followed, including a free kick nodded over the bar in the 66th minute to win the corner that was eventually headed home by Germán Pezzella.
If Messi will be a part of Argentina’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is unknown. He’s indicated it’s unlikely, but Lionel Scaloni has refused to close the door, saying that there’s a spot for him if he wants it.
The Socceroos, meanwhile, will forgo a second game during this international window and disperse at the end of what has been a long and arduous year, with coach Graham Arnold heading to Thailand to observe his nation’s U17 side attempt to qualify for this year’s U17 World Cup.
After the early foray of Argentina wore away, tired hearts, minds, and legs at the end of a long season of international and domestic football coming through, their foe’s high press began to produce a series of high turnovers and chances in transition.
Another giant, England, await them this October, when they play at Wembley for the first time. But while the stage for that game will be grand, at least they won’t have to worry about the game’s greatest scoring inside two minutes.
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