Lionel Messi scored the fastest goal of his career during a friendly match between Argentina and Australia on Thursday, June 15, which ended 2-0 in favour of the South American side. Messi scored the fastest goal of his career, 79 seconds into the game at the vibrant Workers’ Stadium in China.
Messi scores the fastest goal of his career. Source: Getty Argentina swiftly seized possession in Australia’s half, with Enzo Fernandez expertly setting up Messi. The Argentine icon showcased his mesmerizing skills, evading two defenders before unleashing a sublime curling shot from outside the box that left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The goal did not only help Argentina win the friendly, but also extended Messi’s remarkable goal-scoring streak for the national team. With his latest strike, he has now found the back of the net in an impressive seven consecutive games. As Messi approaches his 36th birthday next week, his unwavering prowess and determination continue to shine brightly. Good luck to @MLS goalies and defenders. Messi scores 1 minute in to @Argentina’s friendly vs. Australia.
pic.twitter.com/DoBYQI70Sz — Stefano Fusaro (@S_Fusaro) June 15, 2023 The 68,000-capacity crowd, predominantly adorned in Argentina jerseys, created a breathtaking spectacle that fueled the players’ spirits throughout the match. Australia coach Graham Arnold couldn’t help but marvel at the overwhelming support for Argentina, humorously remarking that he can’t see any yellow shirts around. Argentina further solidified their dominance in the second half when Rodrigo De Paul smashed another goal for the world cup winners. German Pezzella, who came on as a substitute, found the perfect pocket of space between two defenders and headed the ball home with precision, doubling Argentina’s lead and sealing their victory.
Messi celebrates fastest goal of his career. Source: Shutterstock Thursday’s match was a re-run of the last-16 clash between Argentina and Australia at last winter’s World Cup in Qatar. On that occasion, Messi scored a goal and tormented the Socceroos’ defence as the Albiceleste won 2-1. Argentina went on to win the World Cup for the first time in 36 years. The South Americans will round off their Asian tour on Monday when they play another friendly against Indonesia in Jakarta.
Garnacho, who burst onto the scene under coach Erik ten Hag this season, was born in Spain and spent part of his youth career with Getafe and Atletico Madrid before moving to United. He represented the Spain Under-18s but then featured for the Argentina U20s and while he has been called up to the senior squad for their upcoming matches against Panama and Curacao, he is still free to choose between the two national teams. Garnacho is eligible to represent Argentina due to his mother being Argentine, but the Red Devils winger has not made a senior appearance in his international career. 
Martinez has however said that there is no chance of Garnacho turning out for La Roja. He told TyC Sports: “The truth is that Garna is an excellent boy, with a lot of personality because he is 18 years old and is starting in a very big team and with a lot of pressure, you have to have personality, right? That’s what I like about him, he’s going to play headline or enters 10, 15 minutes and gives the best of him. “[Garnacho] is with me here, forget about it. I’ll make sure [he plays for Argentina]. The only way is to go there with me.” 
With the two teams tied at 3-3 and the second half of extra time nearing its end, Kolo Muani got an opportunity to give France a big win during the thrilling encounter, but his effort was knocked off by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The Eintracht Frankfurt star who sat for an interview with beIN Sports, said; “I still watch it, I know it off by heart. In my head, I said to myself: ‘Randal, you have to shoot now’. I tried to shoot towards the near post but the goalkeeper made a very good save. But there were other options. 
“I could have lobbed him, or find Kylian Mbappe [to the left]. But in the moment, I didn’t see him. It’s only when you watch back that you discover the other options. It’s too late. It still sticks in my throat and it’ll be there for life.” Martinez’s save ensured the final went on to a penalty shootout, which Argentina won. Although Kolo Muani converted his spot kick, it was not enough to keep France in contention as the South American side went on to win 4-2. 
