Messi brings glory years in Europe to a close with Miami move
FootballVideo: Lionel Messi Scores Fastest Goal of His Entire Career for Argentina Against Australia
- Lionel Messi wowed football fans in China and in the rest of the world on Thursday
- The Inter Miami star needed just 80 seconds to score for Argentina against Australia
- Messi is a top contender for the 2023 Ballon d’Or after claiming a FIFA World Cup title
It was the first time ever that Lionel Messi scored inside the first two minutes of a game when he opened the scoring for Argentina against Australia on Thursday in a friendly.
The 35-year-old featured from the off against the Socceroos, and it didn't take long for him to make his mark.
Within the opening 120 seconds of the game, Messi was able to capitalise on Chelsea midfielder, Enzo Fernandez's assist to curl a beautiful shot home, marking a career milestone.
As reported by Goal, the La Albiceleste maestro has scored over 800 goals in his brilliant career, yet he has never scored in the opening two minutes of a game.
Thursday's goal against Australia in Beijing's Workers' Stadium has ticked that off the list, meaning Messi now only needs a goal inside the first 60 seconds of a game to complete the set.
Argentina are undertaking a post-season tour of Asia and fielded a strong team to face the side they knocked out in the last-16 of the World Cup, which they went on to win in Qatar.
Messi was instrumental against Australia on Thursday but will not feature in Monday's friendly against Indonesia, per Sportskeeda.
Messi to miss Indonesia friendly
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is back with Argentina on international duty, but he will play no part in their upcoming friendly against Indonesia in Jakarta, Goal reports.
Messi will not travel with the rest of the Argentina squad for Monday's game against the Asians because he will be released early to begin his holiday period after a long season.
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Fan begs Messi to tour
Argentina’s current tour of Asia has got some fans wishing Messi would take a tour of their own country while on the continent.
Sports Brief reported on fan's emotional plea to Messi through a song, urging the 35-year-old star to visit Indonesia.