It wasn't by chance: Spain met the leader's rebellion that no one saw

Lionel Messi found the net just nine minutes into a friendly match against Spain in Buenos Aires, marking his first goal against the reigning world champions. This goal came two months after Argentina's World Cup final loss, a tournament where Messi had not scored.

The strike, described as exquisite, was met with thunderous chants of "Olé, Olé, Olé/ Messí/ Messí/ Messí!" from the crowd. Messi celebrated by kissing the Argentine Football Association (AFA) badge on his chest and making a gesture with his index fingers, dedicating the goal to everyone.

Argentina went on to win the friendly 4-1, with additional goals from Gonzalo Higuaín, Carlos Tevez, and Kun Agüero. The Spanish team, managed by Vicente del Bosque, appeared somewhat unfocused, perhaps still reveling in their recent World Cup triumph. For Messi, this was his 52nd appearance for the national team, and the match seemed to offer him a sense of comfort and vindication.