Fans donning Argentina’s No. 10 jerseys cheer on Thursday outside Workers’ Stadium in Beijing before the friendly match between Argentina and Australia. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

An Argentina supporter holds up a sign that reads “begging for tickets” outside Workers’ Stadium. Tickets for the game were sold at prices ranging from 580 yuan ($81) to 4,800 yuan. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

A fan rushes onto the field to hug Lionel Messi during Thursday night’s game. Photo: Fu Tian/China News Service, VCG

The fan then runs to high-five Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Photo: VCG

Security personnel carry the fan out of the stadium. Photo: Fu Tian/China News Service, VCG

A fan raises a deflated ball he caught in the stands. The ball was thrown into the crowd by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. Photo: Fu Tian/China News Service, VCG

Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Australia in their first overseas match following the 2022 World Cup. Photo: VCG

Messi celebrates his first goal against Australia, breaking the net within two minutes of the kickoff. Photo: Ng Han Guan/VCG

A fan mimics Messi’s celebration pose outside the stadium. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

Fans wave flags with cartoon figures of Argentina players outside the stadium. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

A fan representing the emerging village football league in Guizhou province, Southwest China, proudly displays a sign in support of Argentina. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin

A throng of fans head toward Workers’ Stadium on Thursday night. Photo: Ding Gang/Caixin