"Enzo Fernandez is a gem", "Garnacho really played like Ronaldo" - Twitter reacts as Argentina cruise to comfortable 2-0 win over Australia

Argentina cruised to a 2-0 win over Australia in a friendly in Beijing on Thursday (June 15). Fans have compared debutant Alejandro Garnacho's performance to Lionel Messi's rival Cristiano Ronaldo's.

Messi was playing his first game for La Abiceleste since being confirmed as a new Inter Miami player. He took little time to make more headlines, grabbing his side's opener with just one minute and 19 seconds on the clock. It was the iconic forward's fastest goal of his illustrious career, with Enzo Fernandez providing him the assist.

Argentina were dominant at the Workers Stadium, with German Pezzella bagging their second in the 68th minute. It was the Real Betis defender's fourth international goal.

Australia offered little threat, with just one shot on target. Graham Arnold's were unable to replicate their brave 2022 FIFA World Cup performance that saw them getting edged out in a 2-1 last-16 defeat.

Garnacho stepped off the bench in the second half and produced a typically skillful display. It was the 18-year-old's international debut, but some fans were not too appreciative of his outing.

The Red Devils teenager has been compared to his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. One fan tweeted:

"Garnacho really played like Ronaldo."

Another lauded Fernandez's performance:

"Enzo Fernandez is a gem, and I’m glad he is a Chelsea player."

Here's how Twitter reacted to a comfortable win for the 2022 FIFA World Cup winners against the Socceroos:

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Ronaldo Nazario congratulated Lionel Messi after Argentina captain won World Cup

Ronaldo Nazario congratulated Messi on his World Cup win.

Messi inspired Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory in Qatar last year. The soon-to-be Inter Miami attacker scored seven goals and provided three assists in seven games.

It was the first time Messi got his hands on the World Cup trophy. and he did so in style. He also won the Golden Ball for his performances in the Middle East.

Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario praised Messi for Argentina's triumph in Qatar. The Real Madrid icon lauded Messi as a genius and said that Selecao fans had cheered him on, tweeting:

“Football of this type dispels any rivalry. I saw many Brazilians, and people from all over the world cheering on Messi in this electrifying final."

He added:

“A farewell worthy of the genius who, far beyond being a World Cup star, led an era. Congratulations, Messi!”

The Brazilian knows all too well the feeling of winning a World Cup. He did so on two occasions, finishing with the Golden Boot in the 2002 edition with eight goals.