Although the finish itself was a typically devastating one by Messi scored from the edge of the box, it was Enzo’s determination and drive in midfield that created the chance.

His pressure forced a slip in the Australian midfield and after stealing the loose ball, Enzo carried it forward before finding Messi, who did the rest having worked the ball onto his left foot. At one minute and 19 seconds, it was the fastest goal the new Inter Miami man has scored in his entire career.

Alexis Mac Allister and Messi had chances to quickly double the Argentina lead, while down the other end it needed a good Emi Martinez save to tip Mitch Duke’s half-volley onto the post.

Messi missed a very good opportunity to make it 2-0 before half-time, and Angel Di Maria nearly did just that when play restarted.

The world champions did extend their advantage midway through the second half, substitute German Pazzella of Real Betis expertly heading in Rodrigo De Paul’s left-wing cross.

Enzo’s game ended with 15 minutes remaining when he was replaced by debutant Alejandro Garnacho. The meaningful action had already happened as this friendly ended with the same outcome - an Argentina victory - as when the two teams met in the round of 16 at last year’s World Cup.

In a later game on Thursday, Kepa Arrizabalaga was on the bench as Spain defeated Italy 2-1 to make it through to the UEFA Nations League final. The winner came late on from Joselu after a Ciro Immobile penalty had levelled up a Yeremi Pino goal early in the game. Unai Simon was selected in the Spaniards' goal.

Kepa's nation will now take on Croatia and Mateo Kovacic in Sunday's final. The match is in Rotterdam.

Elsewhere on the international stage, Ian Maatsen played the first half of the goalless Netherlands Under-21’s friendly international against Japan’s Under-22 side.

It was far from a stalemate in Austria as both teams had good chances to break the deadlock. Netherlands boss Erwin van de Looi used 21 different players and several different shapes in the final friendly before the European Championships start next week, with Maatsen deployed at left-back in a 4-2-3-1 before his half-time withdrawal.

Netherlands begin their Euros campaign against neighbours Belgium in Tbilisi on Wednesday. They also play hosts Georgia and Portugal in the group stage.