Lionel Messi (1st L) of Argentina competes during an international football invitational between Argentina and Australia in Beijing, capital of China, June 15, 2023.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

Jamie Maclaren (C) of Australia vies with Marcos Acuna (L) and Cristian Romero of Argentina during an international football invitational between Argentina and Australia in Beijing, capital of China, June 15, 2023.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

A pitch-invading fan (L) hugs Lionel Messi of Argentina during an international football invitational between Argentina and Australia in Beijing, capital of China, June 15, 2023.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

Lionel Messi (R) of Argentina vies with Keanu Baccus of Australia during an international football invitational between Argentina and Australia in Beijing, capital of China, June 15, 2023(Photo: Xinhua)

 
Lionel Messi opened the scoreline early, steering Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Australia in an international friendly held at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing Thursday evening.

Only two minutes into the match, Messi intercepted a cross at the top of the penalty area. He dribbled past a defender before dispatching a curling left-foot shot into the net.

Substitute Pezzella augmented the lead to 2-0 in the 68th minute, directing a header into the middle of the goal box.

Both teams put up an exhilarating match that kept the spectators on their toes until the final whistle.

The friendly match attracted more than 50,000 Chinese football fans to the stadium.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over Australia in the Round of 16.