“Australia is determined to ‘settle the score’ at the 2022 World Cup, but ‘the benchmark’ speaks for itself.”

The friendly match between Australia and the reigning world champions Argentina has just concluded at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing. Australia couldn’t settle the debt from their 1-2 loss in the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup. Meanwhile, Messi continues to unleash his magic, as evidenced by his beautiful opening goal. His trademark left-footed strike remains stylish and powerful when needed. In the end, Argentina emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Australia.

In the 38th minute, Messi scored a goal from a hesitant ball control by an Australian defender. Mac Allister seized the opportunity, stealing the ball and making a few strides before passing it into the central area. Messi received the ball, showcasing his graceful movements, then cleverly flicked it wide to the left flank before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike. The ball flew with incredible speed and an unpredictable trajectory, soaring into the top corner of the net, leaving Australia’s goalkeeper Mat Ryan with no chance to react. The ball’s velocity and its unconventional flight path made it difficult to deal with.

Messi was continuously hounded by Australian players, making it difficult for him to execute his trademark Tango-like dance of ball control and mesmerizing movements.

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Argentina, the reigning world champions, played at an average level, while Australia aimed for a positive result against the world champions but fell short. The Australian players showed a high level of effort and concentration, but ultimately, it was the class and quality that prevailed. Australia couldn’t produce any breakthroughs against the world champions.

In addition to Messi’s goal in the 38th minute, German Pezzella doubled the lead in the 68th minute with a difficult and swirling header from a cross from the left flank. The ball flew high and spun, as Pezzella rose above the defenders to nod it home, leaving goalkeeper Mat Ryan helpless and Argentina leading 2-0.

Australia made efforts to find a consolation goal with great determination, but they were unsuccessful in their quest for an honorable goal.

During the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, Argentina defeated Australia 2-1, with all three goals scored by Argentine players. Messi opened the scoring in the 37th minute, Alvarez doubled the lead in the 57th minute, and then Enzo Fernandez scored an own goal in the 77th minute. Despite playing at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing, China, which has a capacity of 68,000 spectators, Australia still couldn’t settle their debt from that match.

After this game, Messi returned to Paris to attend to his club commitments, while the Argentine team traveled to Indonesia to prepare for a friendly match against the Indonesian national team on June 19th at Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.