Lionel Messi Rolls Back the Hands of Time, Destroys Defenders With Ridiculous Skill in Viral Video

• Lionel Messi orchestrated another win for Argentina in their international friendly
• Despite Australia's resilience, Messi's brilliance helped La Albiceleste claim the win
• The veteran forward proved himself more than a handful for the Aussie defenders

Lionel Messi rolled back the hands of time to produce a ridiculous dribble, wriggling his way around Australian defenders during an international friendly.

Messi, showcasing his continued brilliance, scored as reigning world champions, Argentina triumphed 2-0 over the gallant Socceroos in Beijing, China.

The opening goal, a magnificent curling strike, took him merely two minutes and stands as the fastest goal of his illustrious career.

While Argentina dominated the first 15 minutes, Australia regrouped and countered effectively.

However, the 2022 World Cup winners extended their lead when German Pezzella emphatically headed home a Rodrigo De Paul cross, exploiting lax marking from the Socceroos, per Sporting News.

Messi's mesmeric dribbling

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With Argentina firmly in control, Messi mesmerised the crowd at the Workers Stadium with his trademark dribbling, effortlessly evading Australian defenders with his exquisite touches and agile changes of direction.

Footage of Messi's superb skill:

Messi scores fastest vs Australia

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported it was the first time Messi had scored within two minutes of a game when he opened for Argentina against Australia in a friendly on Thursday.

The 35-year-old featured from the off against the Socceroos, and it did not take long for him to make his mark.

Within the opening 120 seconds of the game, Messi was able to capitalise on Chelsea player, Enzo Fernandez's assist to curl a beautiful shot home, marking another career milestone.

Messi unlikely to defend WC

Sports Brief also reported on Messi claiming he will not help Argentina defend their World Cup title in 2026, when La Albiceleste try and defend the title they won in Qatar last December.

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The 35-year-old forward guided his country to its third global title in their history, and their first in 35 years since Diego Maradona won the trophy in 1986 for the South American nation.

Messi - who will be 39 years old when the 2026 World Cup comes around - has claimed the 2022 World Cup was his last with Argentina as he intends to play no part in the title defence.