Six months after they were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina, Graham Arnold’s Socceroos could be set for a mouthwatering rematch with Lionel Messi and Co next month – in China, of all places.
Impressed at how their round-of-16 showdown in Doha captivated audiences around the planet, an independent promoter approached the Australian and Argentinian associations with the idea earlier this year – and while nothing has been signed yet, the clash could be locked in within days, according to sources.
The proposal was first reported by The New York Times last week, and was described as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties between Australia, Argentina and China, who would host the match at Beijing’s Bird’s Nest stadium before the world champions play another friendly in Indonesia.
Local officials have confirmed the report to this masthead, and said discussions with Argentina about playing a match in Australia had been ongoing since before the World Cup but had become significantly complicated by them winning the World Cup, which has seen their asking price increase significantly.
The Times report said Argentina’s victory – their third World Cup crown – had made them the most in-demand and possibly most expensive opponent in the international game.
Previous talks had explored bringing Argentina to Perth, or even playing them in another neutral location, New York City, but collapsed – as have other attempts by Football Australia to find a high-profile opponent for the Socceroos to face on home soil during the FIFA international window between 12-20 June, with Uruguay among other options that were canvassed.
Harry Souttar tangles with Lionel Messi during the Socceroos’ round-of-16 loss to eventual champions Argentina in Qatar.Credit: AP
If the Socceroos play at all during that window, sources said, it will most likely be against Argentina in China.
A Football Australia spokesperson said the organisation is “actively investigating potential match opportunities” for the Socceroos in June. “Among the various options under consideration is the prospect of facing a high-profile opponent overseas, such as in Beijing, China,” the spokesperson said.
Arnold described it as a “dream come true” when the Socceroos were drawn to face Messi and Argentina in the World Cup’s round of 16, having beaten Tunisia and Denmark to reach the knockout stage for just the second time in Australia’s history.
Considered rank outsiders, the Aussies put on a creditable performance, losing 2-1 after a piece of genius from Messi opened the scoring in the first half, while Garang Kuol came agonisingly close to forcing the match into extra-time with a shot that was saved by the outstretched arm of Emi Martinez with just minutes left to play.
Graham Arnold after Australia’s World Cup loss to Argentina.Credit: AP
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni later said the match was one of their most difficult of the whole tournament, praising Australia’s approach and performance and telling South American media: “We didn’t expect them to be so brave.”
Arnold is currently in Doha for an AFC coaching course ahead of Thursday night’s draw for the next Asian Cup, which will be hosted by Qatar in January. The Socceroos lost 1-0 to the United Arab Emirates in the quarter-finals in a disappointing finish to their last appearance at the tournament, and will be eager for an improved performance at the next one, especially off the back of the team’s two-win World Cup campaign.
Australia is in pot 1 for the Asian Cup draw, along with hosts Qatar and AFC powerhouses Japan, South Korea, Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Another meeting with Argentina would align with Football Australia’s strategy of booking as many difficult opponents as possible for the Socceroos, just as they have done with the Matildas in the lead-up to July’s Women’s World Cup. The only other fixture that Australia’s men have confirmed for the remainder of 2023 is a friendly against England in October at Wembley Stadium.
Messi, meanwhile, is facing an uncertain future at club level. He is currently suspended by Paris Saint-Germain after taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia, where he is a tourism ambassador and which could also be his next destination, with rumours of a $600m offer on the table from Al Hilal to join his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, in the Saudi Professional League.
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