Alvarez was introduced on 59 minutes while City’s EDS midfielder Alex Robertson also came on after the break, on 72 minutes, but for the Socceroos.
It was a repeat of the World Cup 2022 Round of 16 match between the sides, which Argentina won 2-1 courtesy of efforts from Messi and Alvarez.
This time around, six months later, goals from Messi and German Pezzella earned victory for Lionel Scaloni’s men in the Beijing friendly match.
Messi opened the scoring after just 80 seconds, curling his shot past Mathew Ryan at the near post in the Aussie goal.
La Albiceleste doubled their advantage on 68 minutes when the unmarked Pezzella headed home Rodrigo De Paul’s cross from the left.
Alvarez did have a chance to make it three on 71 minutes when Messi played the ball to him but the striker’s clinical low strike was well kept out by the diving Ryan.
Robertson had an opportunity to reduce arrears on 89 minutes when Ajdin Hrustic’s free-kick was headed to him inside the box but his low effort was blocked with Argentina eventually clearing the danger.
