On Thursday in Beijing, Lionel Messi scored the fastest goal of his career to lead Argentina to a 2-0 friendly victory over Australia.

After just 79 seconds, due to lax Socceroos defence, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner curled in from the edge of the box.

In front of more than 50,000 adoring spectators, Lionel Messi came close to scoring a quick second but shot from a tight angle into the side netting.