The Socceroos will play Argentina in a friendly in China

The Socceroos have been given a shot to play World Cup winners Argentina after their thrilling round-of-16 game in Qatar.

Australian midfielder Keanu Baccus fights for the ball with Argentinian legend Lionel Messi during the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Picture: Franck Fife / AFP

The Socceroos have been handed another shot at taking on World Cup champions Argentina, with a friendly locked in for June 15.

Coach Graham Arnold’s men will take on the reigning world champions, in Beijing, China in a rematch of their scintillating round of 16 encounter at last year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

After toppling Australia 2-1 in that match, Argentina went on to claim the World Cup, and Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said this return encounter would be historic on so many levels.

“To secure a match against the world champions Argentina reflects Australia’s standing within world football and the respect that the top nations have for both our senior national teams,” he said.

Socceroo Cam Devlin exchanges shirts with Argentina superstar Lionel Messi in Qatar.

“Football is truly the global game and for Australia to be invited to play this match in China, and against the world No.1, we hope this will open further opportunities for our two nations to work together both on and off the football field,” Johnson said.

The Socceroos last played in China in 2008 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Kunming.

Next month’s match will be the first time since early 2020 that a senior Australian national sporting team has competed in China.

“It’s been 15 years since our senior men’s national team played in China, and we are truly excited to be returning to face Argentina at the newly renovated Workers’ Stadium in Beijing,” Johnson said.

Originally published as The Socceroos will play Argentina in a friendly in China