Messi Scores Fastest Goal Of His Career In Just 79 Seconds

Lionel Messi, who has been having an exceptional season with Argentina, experienced yet another remarkable milestone.

The 35-year-old maestro guided his nation to victory in the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar, undoubtedly a pinnacle achievement in his illustrious footballing journey.

Adding to his list of accolades, Messi achieved a new feat on Thursday, scoring his fastest-ever goal.

Showcasing his extraordinary skills, he expertly curved a left-footed strike into the net from the edge of the box, only 79 seconds into Argentina's friendly match against Australia in Beijing.

This remarkable achievement marks the swiftest goal he has ever scored throughout his professional career, according to CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American football.

"Messi has given us everything as a footballer, it's a pleasure to see him play. He's on another level," Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez said after the game.

Gracenote, the sports data group, reveals an intriguing statistic about Messi's goal-scoring prowess. Remarkably, he has found the back of the net in every minute of a football match except for the initial 60 seconds.

Furthermore, Messi displayed exceptional efficiency in the 87th minute, as he holds the record for scoring the highest number of goals (16) during that specific minute.

Argentina eventually beat Australia 2-0 with Real Betis defender Germán Pezzella doubling La Albiceleste's lead in the second half.

"We always enjoy being with the national team," Messi said afterwards. "It was complicated playing because of the heat and humidity, but above all we'll continue with the same idea.

"Now there are World Cup qualifiers and the Copa America, it's getting too ahead of yourself thinking about the next World Cup. You have to enjoy what you've achieved.

"We have to think about what's coming, a new cycle is beginning. This continues, we can't just sit back on what has already happened. We need to enjoy every reunion."

In a bid for redemption, the friendly match presented the Socceroos with a chance to seek retribution against Argentina, following their 2-1 defeat to the eventual world champions in the 2022 World Cup Round of 16. Notably, Messi showcased his brilliance by scoring a remarkable goal during that encounter.

Despite encountering difficulties with his club team, Paris Saint-Germain, throughout the previous season, Messi's outstanding performance for the Argentina national team continues unabated.

He concluded the previous year's World Cup as the second-highest scorer, netting an impressive total of seven goals, in addition to providing three assists.

Upon his arrival in Beijing before the friendly match against Australia, Lionel Messi received an overwhelming and enthusiastic welcome from fans on Saturday, CNN reported.

The name "Messi" swiftly became the most popular and widely discussed topic on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Captured in video footage, hundreds of fans crowded around the entrance of the team's hotel, hoping to catch a glimpse of their beloved idol.

Adding to the excitement, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner made headlines last Wednesday by announcing his forthcoming move to Major League Soccer Team Inter Miami, following the conclusion of his contract with PSG this summer.

The blockbuster news reportedly led to a staggering increase in ticket prices, with some games in the United States experiencing a surge of nearly 1,000%.

Argentina's journey continues as they will soon embark on a trip to Jakarta for their upcoming friendly match against Indonesia on Jun. 19.