Matchday

Golazo! Lionel Messi scores for Argentina against Australia

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That noise you hear? Itā€™s soccer fans from South Beach to Buenos Aires, and everywhere in between, getting excited about whatā€™s coming to Major League Soccer.

Lionel Messi, who last week stated his intention to join Inter Miami CF this summer, scored a golazo Thursday while representing Argentina in an international friendly against Australia.

Messi collected a squared ball from outside the penalty area, then curled home a trademark left-footed shot to give La Albiceleste a 1-0 lead only 79 seconds into their Beijing, China-based match. It was the fastest goal in his professional career.

The 35-year-old is only six months removed from winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, having scored twice in the epic 3-3 final against France, and then scoring in the ensuing penalty-kick shootout.

He is set to leave Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain this summer, announcing last week ā€œIā€™m going to Miamiā€ after an FC Barcelona reunion and big-money offer from the Saudi Pro League were other options to consider.

Messi, whoā€™s won a record seven Ballon Dā€™or titles, now has 103 goals in 175 matches for Argentina. Heā€™s also scored in every game Argentinaā€™s played since their crowning moment in Qatar, maintaining peak form and building off his legendary career.

Moments like these, perhaps coming to an MLS stadium near you soon?

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