Argentina vs Australia betting tips: Messi to lead the way in Socceroos mauling
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their side's third goal
Sergiu Baltuta thinks a full-strength Argentina could make light work of an inexperienced Australia side on Thursday.
World Champions Argentina will play two international friendlies in Asia this month, first taking on Australia at Workers Stadium in Beijing on Thursday.
Argentina last met Australia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, winning 2-1. Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez scored for the South Americans, with Enzo Fernandez putting through his own net.
This will be the first friendly meeting between the sides in 16 years, with Argentina winning the last meeting 1-0.
Lionel Scaloni has made it clear he intends to treat the friendlies in Asia very seriously. He's called up the country's best available players, including the 11 who started the World Cup final.
Argentina last featured in March, winning 2-0 against Panama and thumping Curacao 7-0.
Lionel Messi scored a hattrick in the game against Curacao and reached another incredible milestone. He now has scored 102 goals for Argentina.
Leo has scored 21 goals in his last 15 International matches. Given Messi's incredible goalscoring form, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him on the score sheet.
Suggested bet:
Lionel Messi to score
Argentina have scored at least two goals in each of their last eight matches. It's worth noting Argentina have only lost once since July 2019, a shock defeat against Saudi Arabia at the World Cup.
Australia manager Graham Arnold could opt to use a number of his young players. Parma's Alessandro Circati is expected to make his debut, as is Melbourne City stopper Thomas Glover.
The Socceroos will be without several key senior players. Mathew Leckie, Jamie Maclaren, Brandon Borello and Mitchell Duke are all unavailable.
Australia's last outings were a pair of friendlies against Ecuador in March. They won the first meeting 3-1 before falling to a 2-1 defeat in the rematch.
Argentina's superior goalscoring form should make light work of the Socceroos.
Suggested bet:
Argentina -1.75 Asian handicap
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