Socceroos in talks for rematch with World Cup winners Argentina after nearly stunning Lionel Messi and his team in Qatar – but it won’t be held Down Under
Australia are in talks to hold a glamorous friendly against Argentina just six months after losing to the South Americans in the World Cup knockout stages.
Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez scored as Argentina defeated the Socceroos 2–1 in the Round of 16, before Emiliano Martinez denied Garang Kuol a last-minute equalizer that would have taken the game into extra time.
However, fans hoping to see the world champions in action in Australia will be disappointed as the match is expected to take place in China.
The proposal was first reported by the New York Times last week, which revealed that an independent promoter had approached Football Australia and the AFA – the Argentine Football Federation.
According to the report, Argentina has become the most sought-after opponent in international football following their World Cup victory.
World champions Argentina could face Australia next month in a friendly in China
faced La Albicelestehowever, entails significant financial costs.
In addition to a share of ticket sales, TV rights and commercial revenue from the games, AFA is also reportedly demanding a lucrative performance fee.
The New York Times reported that the starting price for the appearance fee would be close to $5 million (AUD $7.4 million).
Argentina will play two friendlies in June in the international window between June 12 and June 20, but the identities of the teams remain unknown.
It is clear that the first game will be played in Beijing, the second in Indonesia.
A Football Australia spokesperson confirmed that the Socceroos were looking to play against a ‘high-profile’ opponent during the international window.
“One of several options being considered is the prospect of taking on a high-profile opponent abroad, such as in Beijing,” the spokesman told the The Sydney Morning Herald.
Nothing has been signed yet, but official confirmation could come as early as this week, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Socceroos lost 2-1 to Argentina in December in the Round of 16 of the World Cup
Lionel Messi scored the opening goal as Argentina progressed to the quarter-finals
In the run-up to a possible friendly against Argentina, Australia is focusing on the draw for the Asian Cup, which will take place in Doha on Thursday.
Qatar hosts the tournament in January and the Socceroos hope to eradicate the disappointment of four years ago when they lost 1-0 to the United Arab Emirates in the quarter-finals.
The Socceroos arrived at last year’s World Cup as outsiders, but won two games at the World Cup for the first time in their history and only reached the second round of 16.
Despite the historic performance and the fact that they were on the verge of forcing the tie against Argentina in extra time, coach Graham Arnold revealed that he felt his side had failed.
Garang Kuol came painfully close to a late equalizer for Australia
“It’s the way I am,” he said after Australia’s elimination.
“Even though we have passed and been successful, I feel like we have failed.
“I just wanted so badly to win for the country and the fans. Getting to the last 16 wasn’t enough for me […]
‘That’s just me. I know a lot of other people might be happy about it, but that’s just how I am.’