Video: Manchester City Robertson left disappointed after Messi blanks shirt swap request

Lionel Messi completely blanked an opposing player following Argentina's friendly win over Australia on Thursday night.

The World Cup champions won 2-0 at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing, China with Messi unsurprisingly getting his name on the scoresheet.

The 35-year-old opened the scoring after just one minute and 19 seconds, curling a finish into the top left corner from the edge of the box.

It was the fastest goal of his career and set Argentina on course for victory, with substitute German Pezzella sealing the win with a header midway through the second half.

As is the case in almost all matches involving Messi, there was a scramble at the end of the game to secure the shirt of the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has now scored 103 goals in 175 games for Argentina.

Manchester City youngster Alexander Robertson, 20, did his best to claim Messi's jersey but was brutally blanked by the Argentine, who will move to MLS side Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

In footage which has circulated on social media, City academy prospect Robertson approaches Messi after the full time whistle – touching him on his back.

After Messi fails to react, Robertson makes contact with him for a second time and appears to say something which gets the Argentina captain's attention.

Messi briefly turns towards Robertson but then appears to blank him before continuing to shake hands with a member of Australia's coaching staff.

Not willing to give up easily, Robertson attempts for a third time to get Messi's shirt but is once again completely ignored – with the youngster forced to concede defeat.

Messi brushing Robertson who was clearly after his shirt lmaooo #ARGvAUS pic.twitter.com/JW438l3GQr

— Evan Morgan Grahame (@Evan_M_G) June 15, 2023

Messi has previously revealed that he has only ever asked one player for his shirt at the end of a match; legendary French midfielder Zinedine Zidane.

Messi admitted in an interview with TyC Sports in 2021 that during an early El Clasico match in his Barcelona career, he couldn't resist the opportunity to get the shirt of the Real Madrid legend.

"I don't ask for shirts, I usually swap them, but I asked Zidane once," Messi said.

"If there is an Argentine I swap it with him, but, unless someone asks me, I'm not asking anyone."

Better luck next time, Robertson.