Garnacho makes his Argentina debut in friendly win over Australia

Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho made his long-awaited Argentina debut in a 2-0 win against Australia in China on Thursday.

The winger came on as a second-half substitute with his side leading 2-0 thanks to a first-half stunner from Lionel Messi and German Pezzella's effort after the break.

Garnacho was made to wait for his first appearance for La Albiceleste after picking up an injury that forced him to withdraw from the March internationals.

The 18-year-old was unable to register his first goal for his country but did get the chance to fulfill his dream of playing alongside his idol and Inter Miami new boy, Messi.

'I didn't talk much with Messi,' Garnacho told TyC Sports ahead of Thursday's friendly. 'I went from watching him on TV all my life and now I have him here, it seems that it's not real.

'I spoke with Lionel Scaloni here. He asked me if I was nervous and I told him I wasn't. When I play I try to be me.

'I'm a young guy but I don't care about age, I try to play the way I know how.'

Garnacho enjoyed a breakout season last term, featuring 19 times for the Red Devils, netting on three occasions and providing two assists. If an ankle injury had not plagued the middle of his campaign, he'd likely have wrestled his way into Erik ten Hag's first team by the end of the year.

As it turned out, the winger finished the season strong and has set himself up to challenge for a starting berth next season.

A first international goal, which could come against Indonesia on Monday, would cap a stellar season of senior football.