Graham Arnold, the coach of Australia, stated on Tuesday that he wanted “revenge” against Lionel Messi and Argentina when his team faces the reigning world champions in a friendly in Beijing the next week.
Messi caused havoc for the Socceroos and scored a magnificent goal as Argentina defeated Australia 2-1 in the round of 16 at the World Cup in Qatar. Argentina went on to win the tournament and take home the trophy.
However, Arnold’s underdog squad was able to give Argentina a fright, and Australia’s head coach has stated that his team would treat the encounter on June 15 in the capital of China seriously, despite the fact that it is a friendly.
Arnold stated as he announced a youthful side missing multiple established players due to injury, including Aaron Mooy of Celtic, “I am getting goosebumps now that we can play the world champions so soon after the World Cup and get revenge.” “I am getting goosebumps now that we can play the world champions so soon after the World Cup and get revenge,” Arnold added.
“Conditions will be humid and warm, but younger players have that energy, and they will run all day and fight.”
In addition, he stated that “It is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to go out there and give it everything we’ve got — the boys will have energy galore and I can’t wait.”
Parma defender Alessandro Circati, who is only 19 years old but has already played for Italy at the under-20 level, was one of those who were called up.
Arnold, who exceeded everyone’s expectations by leading Australia to the final rounds in Qatar, has already stated that he has one eye on qualifying for the World Cup in 2026.
“I don’t feel there’s any better way to test them out than against the world champions,” he said of his young 23-man squad. “I don’t feel there’s any better way to test them out than against the world champions.”