Quiet start for many of Argentina's finest

It was a fairly quiet start to the season for many of Argentina’s finest over the weekend, with many getting underway in the Spanish and Italian leagues.

It was a fairly quiet start to the season for many of Argentina-s finest over the weekend, with many getting underway in the Spanish and Italian leagues.

Young sensation Lionel Messi had a quiet start with Barcelona, being replaced by none other than new signing Thierry Henry in the 62nd minute. Barcelona drew 0-0 away at Racing Santander, who had Argentine defender Erequiel Garay play a full game.

On Saturday, three Argentine representatives in Real Madrid-s, saw Gabriel Heinze not included in the squad, having only just signed in recent days from Manchester United, while Fernando Gago and Javier Saviola came off the bench in the 2-1 win over arch rivals Athletico Madrid. Maxi Rodriguez, who scored against Norway in last week-s friendly, played a full game for Atheltico.

Pablo Aimar played a full game for Real Zaragoza, while Milito came on after an hour, while Argentina keeper Abbodanzieri and Daniel Diaz played a full game for Getafa in a 4-1 loss to FC Sevilla.

In Italy, only one of Inter Milan-s four Argentine players made it onto the park in a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Udinese. Javier Zanetti played a full game, while star striker Hernan Crespo stayed on the bench. Nicolas Burdisso and Estaban Cambiasso were not in the squad.

Meanwhile, Carlos Tevez tasted victory for the first time as a Manchester United player, although it was a frustrating day for him personally, playing as a lone striker. He was substituted after 77 minutes in the 1-0 win over Tottenham.

For the second game running, Javier Mascherano had to be content with only a place on the subs bench for Liverpool, who convincingly won 2-0 at Sunderland.

The only Argentine player (from the Copa America squad) to get on the scoresheet for his club over the weekend, was Rodrigo Palacio for Boca Juniors in a 2-1 win over Grimnasia La Plata in the Argentine 1st Division. His national team mate Hugo Ibarra also played a full game.

The Socceroos will play Argentina on Tuesday September 11 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased from www.ticketmaster.com.au