Argentina 2-0 Australia: Lionel Messi scores fastest career goal in Beijing friendly

Lionel Messi scored his fastest career goal as Argentina comfortably beat Australia in a friendly in Beijing.

Captain Messi, 35, opened the scoring after one minute and 19 seconds, curling a finish into the top left corner from the edge of the box.

Substitute German Pezzella doubled the world champions' lead with a header in the 68th minute.

Australia's Mitch Duke had a first-half effort pushed on to the post by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

But Argentina always looked comfortable in Messi's first match since agreeing to join American side Inter Miami.

Lionel Scaloni's side were playing their third fixture since lifting the World Cup in December, and their first outside of Argentina.

Line-ups

Formation 4-4-2

Formation 4-4-2

Match ends, Argentina 2, Australia 0.
Second Half ends, Argentina 2, Australia 0.
Foul by Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina).
Denis Genreau (Australia) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Marcos Acuña (Argentina).
Ryan Strain (Australia) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Offside, Argentina. Lionel Messi tries a through ball, but Julián Álvarez is caught offside.
Attempt blocked. Alex Robertson (Australia) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Foul by Leandro Paredes (Argentina).
Ajdin Hrustic (Australia) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Corner, Australia. Conceded by Cristian Romero.
Corner, Argentina. Conceded by Ryan Strain.
Foul by Cristian Romero (Argentina).
Brandon Borrello (Australia) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Delay over. They are ready to continue.
Delay in match (Argentina).
Attempt blocked. Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Marcos Acuña.
Substitution, Argentina. Guido Rodríguez replaces Rodrigo De Paul.
Corner, Argentina. Conceded by Ryan Strain.
Leandro Paredes (Argentina) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

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