Lionel Messi scored the fastest goal of his career as Argentina beat Australia 2-0 in a friendly at Beijing’s Workers’ Stadium in China on Thursday.
Argentina traveled to Beijing’s Workers’ Stadium for a rematch with the Socceroos in the 2022 World Cup.
Messi, who was making his Inter Miami debut, took only 80 seconds to get his country started in the friendly match.
The 35-year-old got the ball from Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the box before curling an unstoppable attempt into the top corner.
The spectacular strike was his fastest goal of his career, outrunning his previous best of 127 seconds in Barcelona’s Champions League last-16 clash against Chelsea in March 2018.
MESSI! 😱😱
Lionel Messi produces a stunning strike to put world champions Argentina in front 🇦🇷
Just over a minute into the game, the fans in Beijing get exactly what they came to see 👏 pic.twitter.com/SQStRJ6na2
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) June 15, 2023
After scoring on his 175th international appearance, Messi has now scored in every minute of regular time save the first 60 seconds.
The Argentine is also on the greatest goal-scoring streak of his international career, having scored in his last seven games for his country.
The world champions added a second goal in the 68th minute on the strength of German Pezzella’s strong header from Rodrigo De Paul’s cross.
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Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench to make his international debut.
Meanwhile, Messi has stated that he does not expect to feature in Argentina’s upcoming World Cup defense.
Argentina will travel to Jakarta for a friendly against Indonesia on Monday, after extending their unbeaten streak to nine matches with a 2-0 win over the Socceroos.
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