Lionel Messi and the Argentina national soccer team showcased their skills, securing a resounding 2-0 victory over Australia at Beijing’s Workers’ Stadium. The Chinese fans, who warmly welcomed the team throughout their visit, were treated to a spectacular performance.
The match began with a bang as Messi scored the quickest opening goal of his illustrious career, finding the net just 81 seconds into the game. The more than 50,000 spectators in attendance erupted with joy, relishing the thrilling start.
At the 68th minute, German Pezzella sealed Argentina’s win with another goal, cementing their dominance on the field. Notably, this marked the team’s first match played in a foreign country since their triumphant FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar the previous year.
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Messi, speaking to Titan Sports, expressed his gratitude for the unwavering love and support from Chinese fans, acknowledging their consistent backing over the years.
The Argentine team cherished the opportunity to play in front of such passionate supporters, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one’s passion and savoring every moment in a sports career.
Argentinian defender Nicolas Tagliafico took to Chinese social media to express his appreciation, thanking the fans for their warm reception and declaring his affection for Beijing.
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The team had been greeted with immense enthusiasm since their arrival, with fans eagerly seeking glimpses of their heroes, chanting Messi’s name, and gathering in large crowds outside the team’s hotel and along the sidewalks.
The match garnered significant media attention and became a social media sensation. The hashtag “Messi scored in 81st second” trended on Sina Weibo, accumulating over 40 million views, highlighting the public’s excitement and engagement with the event.
This visit marked Messi’s eighth trip to China, further enhancing his popularity after leading Argentina to World Cup glory. His connection with the country dates back to 2004 when he first visited at the age of 17, and later, he clinched a gold medal with the Argentine national team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
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