Lionel Messi (L) celebrates after his goal against Australia©Twitter
Argentina legend Lionel Messi took just under two minutes to score a stunning goal during Thursday’s friendly against Australia in Beijing. The stadium was packed with fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the World Cup winning superstar and delighted to see Messi lead Argentina in charge at the start of the match. Messi received the ball outside the Australian penalty area and easily put down a defender before unleashing a deadly shot on target. Australian goalkeeper Matt Ryan had little chance as the ball hit the net, sparking a massive cheer.
Messi mania gripped Beijing ahead of a sold-out friendly in the Chinese capital.
LEO MESSI. WHAT A GOAL!
WITHIN TWO MINUTES 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/etyJibEwCc
— Sara (@SaraFCBi) June 15, 2023
Hundreds of Chinese fans waving Argentine flags and wearing Messi jerseys have gathered outside the team’s luxury hotel since their idol landed on Saturday.
Crowds lined heavily guarded streets hoping to catch a glimpse of the 35-year-old every time the team went to training.
The man himself has kept a low profile, but that has not dampened the enthusiasm.
A daring fan shared how he spent the night at the Four Seasons hotel in an attempt to get up close and personal with Messi and his teammates.
“I first hid in the janitor’s closet and then went up the fire escape to the team floor,” the man, nicknamed Lin, told AFP.
He was questioned by hotel security before being released.
Another fan, Li Weihua, said he flew straight to the hotel from his hometown of Shenzhen in southern China.
He doesn’t even have a ticket for the match at the 68,000-capacity Workers’ Stadium, which sold out quickly.
“I just want to feel the environment,” said the 29-year-old, who had never been to Beijing.
(with AFP inputs)
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