WATCH - Lionel Messi scores in 79 seconds to give Argentina early lead in their triumph over Australia

Lionel Messi (Source: Twitter)

Lionel Messi's recent club football experiences have been frustrating for his fans, as he was booed by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fans, left the French capital as a free agent, and joined Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami. However, the Argentina superstar managed to give his supporters joy in his latest friendly against Australia, scoring a goal in less than two minutes to give his side an early lead in their 2-0 win.

Messi scored a stunning goal just 79 seconds after kick-off at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing on Thursday, thanks to a wonderful combination with Enzo Fernandez. The Chelsea midfielder collected the ball near the halfway line and raced into Australia's half to deliver a clean pass to Messi. Receiving the ball from outside the opposition box, the Argentina forward finished things off with an elegant kick into the top left corner of the net.

LEO MESSI. WHAT A GOAL!

INSIDE TWO MINUTES 🇦🇷🐐 pic.twitter.com/etyJibEwCc

— Sara 🦋 (@SaraFCBi) June 15, 2023

Individual prizes are not what matters to me: Messi

Speaking to reporters in China ahead of Argentina's clash against Australia, Messi said the Ballon d’Or is longer important to him after winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022. The Argentina skipper has won the prestigious award (highest individual accolade in the sport) seven times – the most by any player in the history of the game.

“Does the Ballon d’Or matter to me? No, it’s no longer important to me. I’ve always said, the individual prizes are not what matters to me, but the collective ones are the most important. The most important prize at the moment is the World Cup, the greatest prize for me,” Messi told Titan Sports.

Messi, who has confirmed the 2022 World Cup will be his last, has also hailed his former manager and current Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola for the historic treble achievement.

“I talk a lot with Pep as we still maintain frequent contact. I am very happy about his achievement, winning the recent UEFA Champions League. He is the best coach in the world, and although, in my opinion, he didn’t need to win this Champions League title to prove that, it further demonstrates that he is the world’s top coach, which is an achievement he deserves,” Messi said.