Lionel Messi runs rings around Hong Kong
Argentina superstar scores twice as he comes on in the second half to help visitors destroy the home side in front of a half-empty stadium
They should have borrowed the barricades and pitched it around Hong Kong's 18-yard box. That would have been the strategy to stop Argentina as they went on a seven-goal spree against Hong Kong on Tuesday night.
Lionel Messi only came on with an hour gone but he took just six minutes to score his first goal, then created another, before wrapping up the night with his second and Argentina's seventh as the visitors toyed with their hosts in an exhilarating display of football.
Even the appearance of a Chinese fan who ran on to the field with a pen in his hand, didn't faze the four-time world footballer of the year.
The difference in the two sides was clear. There was a wide gulf but I must commend the enthusiasm showed by the Hong Kong team
Unflustered and as cool as ever, Messi signed the shirt before the fan was frog-marched out by security guards.
"It was a big surprise to see him run on to the field. But I can understand it and the reaction of the Hong Kong public," said Argentine coach Gerardo Martino.
They cried out for Messi and he delivered with his every touch of the ball evoking gasps of admiration.
Hong Kong were reduced to mere props as the great man weaved his spell in a memorable second half.