Mascherano looking forward to Australia international

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Argentine international Javier Mascherano has revealed he has spoken to Qantas Socceroo Harry Kewell about what to expect from the Australians in the blockbuster international to be played between the two countries at the MCG on 11 September.

Argentine international Javier Mascherano has revealed he has spoken to Qantas Socceroo Harry Kewell about what to expect from the Australians in the blockbuster international to be played between the two countries at the MCG on 11 September.

Mascherano is a club mate of Kewell's at English Premier League club Liverpool following a transfer the previous season from West Ham United.

"He (Kewell) is a great person and he has spoken to me about soccer and the Australian life style," said Mascherano.

"Now I will have the possibility of being able to see everything far better."

Mascherano was one of a huge number of international football superstars selected in the Argentina squad to face the Socceroos and he was in sensational form for his country at the 2007 Copa America with many people rating him his side's best player as they made it all the way to the final only to be defeated by Brazil.

Another player to impress at the Copa America was Barcelona's rising star Lionel Messi and Mascherano believes that he may become the best in the world.

"Yes, probably will be that way. Lionel is an incredible player and it is a privilege to be able to have him as a partner in the Argentina Selection," said Mascherano.

Mascherano, who was a junior at River Plate joined Corinthians for a season before he made major headlines with a transfer to West Ham United ahead of the 2006/07 season.

He moved mid-season to his current club Liverpool and his appreciation of the standard of the English Premier League has grown.

"The truth is that this club (Liverpool) in which I am playing has been wonderful with me," added Mascherano.

"I don-t have anything to object, I just only have gratefulness towards the institution."

"Regarding the (English Premier) league I can tell that it is hard and competitive. Soccer is advancing at huge steps."

Good tickets for Socceroos vs. Argentina are still available for the match from all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com.au or on 13 61 00.

The match will be shown live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS and available on Radio 702 ABC nationally.