Former Socceroo Josh Kennedy is stoked about the international friendly between Brazil and Argentina at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and believes it will be important for growing the game in Australia.
It was confirmed on Friday morning Brazil will lock horns with Argentina at the MCG on Friday June 9 at 8pm, a week after the European Champions League Final which will be in Cardiff, Wales.
The clash could potentially see Barcelona superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar compete against each other.
Should Messi play, it won’t be the first time he will play on the MCG's surface. He took part in a 1-0 win for his country over Australia back in 2007 with Kennedy in the line-up.

The 2006 and 2010 World Cup Socceroo said the fixture was a true reflection of the game’s growth in Australia.
He also drew examples from the International Champions Cup (ICC), where players like Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid had experienced playing at the 'G.
“I think it’s the next step of creating this football culture year and year out where we don’t have these lulls between our World Cup cycle,” Kennedy said.

“Also we can attract these teams, these big countries. We saw with Real Madrid, clubs like this in previous teams, we can attract these teams. It’s just another big bonus thing for Melbourne and the state of Victoria.
“It’s a little bit surreal, I remember I was quite a bit younger when we played Argentina here and it’s quite odd standing on the pitch playing against Messi when you’ve seen him on TV so much. One of the best players to have played the game.
“I was lucky enough to stand at the other end and admire what he could do down his end. It’s an eye-opener from a player’s point of view.
“Also from the fans to see someone live and the kids to watch a player like that, someone like him, Neymar, (Sergio) Aguero. These players, they’re different class and we don’t get to see them very often.
“Based on when Madrid were here, the crowd, based on 100,000 people I think we’ll see a massive crowd. I think there’ll be a lot of international visitors as well as interstate and local.”
Kennedy also tipped both nations to bring their big guns as both teams have a number of players with English, Italian and Spanish giants.
“I don’t think Neymar has missed many friendlies in the last 50 games he’s played so I’m sure he’ll be here,” he said.
“We saw Messi here in 2007 when we played them, I’m confident they’ll have a full strength team.
“It’s part of their preparation, every game they have and the better competition they have, it adds to their World Cup performance and preseason so to say.
“I think to have these two teams outside of their country, that’s a massive deal and these two teams will want to play here and will want to win.”
Tickets for the South American blockbuster will go on sale to the general public from midday on 21 February.
Tickets start from $59 (Juniors) and $79 (Adults).
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