Argentina vs Australia: Lionel Messi broke another record in his career when he scored within the first two minutes of Argentina’s 2-0 win against Australia in Beijing.
Messi scored the fastest goal of his career with a wonderful curling effort past Maty Ryan.
His opener gave Argentina bravery but they failed to seal the many chances they had in the opening 15 minutes. Australia soon settled and began to hit Argentina on the break but they too were unable to crown their efforts.
Striker Mitch Duke had their best chance of the game midway through the first period when his header from a cross from Riley McGree forced a great reaction save from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina doubled their score when an onrushing German Pezzella headed home a Rodrigo De Paul cross after some poor marking from the Socceroos side.
Argentina vs Australia final score
| 1st Half | 2nd Half | Full time | Goal scorers | |
| Argentina | 1 | 1 | 2 | Messi 2′, Pezzella 68′ |
| Australia | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Argentina Vs Australia Lineups
Argentina: (4-3-3, right to left): 23. Martinez — 26. Molina, 13. Romero, 19. Otamendi, 8. Acuna — 7. De Paul, 24. Enzo Fernández, 20. Mac Allister — 11. Di María, 10. Messi (c), 15. Gonzalez
Australia: (4-2-2-2, right to left): 1. Ryan (c) — 3. Atkinson, 19. Souttar, 4. Rowles, 5. Bos — 6. O’Neill, 20. Baccus — 7. Leckie, 14. McGree — 9. Maclaren, 15. Duke