Mercado hands Sampaoli winning Argentina debut

That team, comprised of my picks for the best lineup from two of the world's greatest footballing nations, led to the chance for me to watch those nations face off live in front of 95,969 people at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Regardless of whether or not it's a 'friendly' seeing the likes of Lionel Messi and Philippe Coutinho in the flesh was something I'll never forget. 

It was a dream come true to walk up the tunnel onto the MCG before the match. I had to resist the urge to pick up a ball and have a few shots on goal, but to be pitch-side soaking up the atmosphere from the players' perspective was an experience I’ll never forget.

The game itself wasn’t one to write home about, but it was fascinating to see the tactics employed by Jorge Sampaoli in his first game in charge.

After the match, we were whisked away to the mixed zone, where the press await players who walk past to their team bus.

.@TeamMessi leaves the MCG after a hard-fought win over Brazil #ARGBRA#beinconmebolexperiencepic.twitter.com/FRqAe3ylFq — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_AUS) June 9, 2017

Unfortunately, the Argentina players were on a self-imposed media ban, but I did manage to spot Albiceleste legend Jorge Luis Burruchaga, who scored the winning goal in the 1986 FIFA World Cup final.

When I yelled out ‘Burru’ he came over and took a photo with me I couldn’t believe it. I grew up in Argentina, 20 meters away from the gates of Independiente’s stadium and to get a photo with one of the club’s greatest players, in Melbourne was surreal.  

The overall experience was incredible, but the highlight of the night had to be that chance photo with Burru - a legend from the club I support and the hero from Argentina’s last FIFA World Cup conquest.

I have to thank beIN SPORTS for giving Kristie and I this once in a lifetime opportunity, flying us down to Melbourne for a chance to watch one of the greatest rivalries in world football down under.