In June 2023, they met again in front of nearly 70,000 people at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing – a match also planned by an independent promoter. Messi scored in the second minute, with Argentina running out 2-0 victors.
Another friendly match would, naturally, revolve entirely around the 38-year-old superstar, whose fanatical following in India the promoters are seeking to leverage. Such is his popularity that Argentina are said to command a minimum appearance fee of around $7.5 million per match – an astronomical figure which long ago knocked on the head any ambitions of bringing him and Argentina to play in Australia.
Lionel Messi shoots past Mat Ryan at the last World Cup.Credit: AP
Messi is reportedly in talks to extend his contract with Inter Miami through to the end of 2028. That would enable him to take part in what would be his sixth World Cup next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
As in China, the Socceroos would take on the role of the Washington Generals to Argentina’s Harlem Globetrotters, but it would be a wonderful experience, particularly for the younger players in Tony Popovic’s new-look Australian side, which sealed qualification for the World Cup in June. It would also round out a trilogy against Messi and his men.
The Socceroos had been planning to spend the November window in Australia to mark the 20-year anniversary of the 2005 penalty shootout win over Uruguay, which rocketed the team to instant national fame. However, this masthead reported two months ago that FA was facing difficulties in finding a team willing to travel to Australia, with World Cup qualification ongoing in many parts of the world – not to mention a suitable venue, with some of the country’s top stadia booked out due to concerts.
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Sources say that negotiations with state governments and rival nations for home friendlies are still ongoing but could be superseded by the clash with Argentina in India, should those plans be firmed up.
Though FA and the team’s initial preference was to play on home soil that month, a showdown with the South Americans would cross off another confederation off Popovic’s wishlist of possible pre-World Cup opponents.
“If we can cover, hopefully, an African team, South American team, European team … that will help in terms of preparation and just having the different styles that you come up against,” he said earlier this year.
“Is it a pressing team, is it a team that sits back? Do they build up, don’t build up – so you get a little bit of an understanding of the different countries and how they like to play. We want to experience as much as possible.
“I’m sure the FA is doing everything they can to support us to bring, if it’s here, good opposition … [but] it changes daily. One moment you think you’ve got someone, and they’ve got another idea and other plans.”
Popovic’s side will return to action next month with a pair of friendlies in North America against World Cup co-hosts Canada (October 11, Montreal) and the United States (October 15, Colorado).
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