Star Barcelona winger Lionel Messi and Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez will lead Argentina against an Australian side missing many of its big names in a friendly international today.
What won't be missing is the crowd -- an expected 60,000 or more at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the friendly between FIFA's No. 2 team and the Socceroos, still smarting from their July quarter-final exit -- on penalty kicks to Japan -- in their first appearance at the Asian Cup.
Yesterday, West Ham United defender Lucas Neill was named Australian captain, replacing the absent Mark Viduka. Also missing from the Australian lineup are Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Brett Emerton and John Aloisi, all from either injuries or European club commitments.
"To lead the team out in a game such as this -- not that it needs any extra incentive -- is a great responsibility," Neill said.
Messi, Tevez and the rest of the near full-strength Argentina side will use the match as preparation for the start of their 2010 World Cup qualifiers next month.
Socceroos midfielder Vince Grella, who will likely be given the task of playing opposite Messi, believes the match will be anything but a friendly.
"I think Argentina will go for it, although it's not going to be like they were playing Brazil," Grella said. "But when I think they see that atmosphere the MCG gives ... they will have to step up because I don't think they will want to lose and I know Australia doesn't want to lose. So it's a mix for having a tough game."
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