2023-06-19 17:07:24
By Le Figaro with AFP
Posted 2 hours ago, Updated 2 hours ago
Lionel Messi was still present in the stands. AJENG DINAR ULFIANA / REUTERS
60,000 spectators were present in Jakarta to see this lucrative friendly match between Argentina and Indonesia. Absent, Lionel Messi was still present among the spectators.
Argentina, without superstar Lionel Messi, beat 149th-ranked Fifa-ranked Indonesia 2-0 in a lucrative friendly on Monday in Jakarta.
To face this modest nation, Argentina, already victorious over Australia 2-0 last Thursday in Beijing, had rested the seven-time Ballon d’Or and new recruit from Inter Miami (MLS), as well as several executives including Angel Di Maria or Nicolas Otamendi.
But that did not prevent the Gelora Bung Karno stadium from being invaded by more than 60,000 delirious spectators, this meeting having been preceded by several weeks of media campaign in the country.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Leandro Paredes, on loan to Juve last season, opened the scoring in the 38th minute, sending a missile into the top corner from 35 meters unopposed.
Despite a slew of chances, the world champions had to wait until the 55th minute to break through central defender Cristian Romero.
Argentina’s trip to Jakarta for the first senior international match between the two teams cost the Indonesian Football Federation no less than $5 million, according to local media.
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