SUMMARY
- Lionel Messi kick-started Argentina's victory with the fastest goal of his career in a thrilling 2-0 triumph against Australia in Beijing.
- Australia's hopes were held at bay by Emiliano Martinez's spectacular save, denying Mitch Duke's powerful header midway through the first half.
- Argentina's victory was solidified with German Pezzella's decisive header, capitalizing on Australia's defensive mishap.
In an exhilarating display of football mastery, Lionel Messi led Argentina to a 2-0 triumph over a tenacious Australia in Beijing.
From the onset, Messi's prowess was unmistakable as he netted the game's first goal in just two minutes - the quickest in his professional career - outsmarting Australia's goalie, Maty Ryan, with a splendid curling shot. In the initial quarter of an hour, Argentina dominated, however, Australia's resilience started to show, countering Argentina's advances with swift retaliation.
Mitch Duke of Australia nearly turned the tables midway in the first half with an ambitious header, courtesy of a cross by Riley McGree, only to be thwarted by an impressive save from Argentina's Emiliano Martinez. The match was evenly contested, with both teams making considerable attempts, but it was Argentina who widened the gap as German Pezzella capitalized on the Australian defense's momentary lapse, scoring a powerful header from a Rodrigo De Paul cross.
Australia made several attempts to reduce the deficit and add an element of suspense to the game, but Argentina maintained control, with Messi’s finesse captivating the packed Workers' Stadium audience till the final whistle.
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