Four years on from a memorable showdown with Lionel Messi's Argentina, Aziz Behich's approach remains the same: respect the world's best but never fear them.
12 June 2026
The CommBank Socceroos are carrying more than just ambition and few players better represent the mindset driving the squad than Aziz Behich.
The 35-year-old defender has been a constant presence throughout one of the most successful periods in Australian football history.
With more than 80 caps to his name, an Asian Cup winners' medal and appearances at two previous global tournaments, Behich remains one of the squad's most experienced voices as Australia looks to create more history.
That experience includes one of the defining matches of Australia's recent football journey - a meeting with Lionel Messi and eventual champions Argentina in the knockout stages four years ago.
Asked how he feels when lining up against players of that calibre, Behich revealed a belief that he has maintained throughout his career.
"Even when we were playing Argentina, I don't see the person there," he said.
"I've always been like that in my career, even when I was in Turkey playing against big names. Once I'm on the pitch, it's just another player for me."
For Behich, respect and belief can coexist.
"It's not in a disrespectful way, but it's just the way I see it. That I have a job to do against that person," he said.
"And he's a footballer like me. Okay I have all the respect in the world, of course, but, in that moment, I don't see that it's a name on the back of the shirt."
It's a perspective that has helped Behich remain a fixture in the national team for more than a decade and one that continues to resonate throughout the current squad.
The Melbourne City defender continues to offer something different. His energy down the left flank and relentless appetite for the contest remain as strong as ever, while his experience has become increasingly valuable to a group balancing seasoned internationals with emerging talent.
That dynamic was on full display in Passing the Torch, a series where players draw questions from a bowl and share their perspectives on football, life and the experiences that have shaped their careers. Filmed earlier in the international calendar, this edition featured Behich, Aiden O'Neill, Jacob Italiano and Patrick Yazbek.
The conversation quickly revealed the camaraderie that has become a hallmark of the national team environment.
Asked for one piece of life advice, Behich's response to O'Neill was delivered with a grin.
"You need to smile more," he said.
"More energy, more passion."
The exchange drew laughs from teammates and highlighted the close relationships that continue to develop within camp.
Italiano was equally complimentary.
"You seem to have it all sorted out. Pretty happy, go around camp, carry yourself well. Keep doing what you're doing," he told O'Neill.
For O'Neill, football is only one part of life. The New York City FC defensive midfielder has become a key figure in Australia's engine room across his 30 international appearances. Away from football, however, his attention often turns to a very different passion.
"I've got a cattle farm that I've had for over a year now," he said.
Yazbek was quick to point out that those stories have become well known among teammates.
"I'd say talk more about your farms Aido. Yeah, loving hearing the farm stories mate," he joked.
The conversation also offered an insight into what gives players confidence when the pressure rises.
For Jacob Italiano, confidence often comes from taking on an opponent directly.
"If you get past the player in a dribble and get the crowd off their feet," he said.
The 24-year-old has steadily grown his international experience since making his debut in October last year, while continuing to showcase pace and versatility.
Yazbek, meanwhile, pointed to the influence of supporters.
"I think crowds are really important, [they’re] so important for me," he said.
The 24-year-old midfielder had been building momentum with MLS side Nashville SC before suffering a quad injury in the warm-up ahead of a CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final against Tigres, ruling him out of Australia's upcoming campaign.
Behich's answer, however, reflected the mentality that has helped define his international career.
"See, I love the hostile environment, I love going to a stadium where it's just... opposition."
The players featured in the conversation find themselves at different stages of their careers.
Behich is preparing for another opportunity on football's biggest stage and a chance to add to a legacy that already includes more than 80 appearances for his country. O'Neill has become one of the first names in Australia's midfield. Italiano continues to establish himself as an international footballer.
Yazbek, despite his unfortunate injury setback, remains one of the brightest young midfielders in the Australian system.
Yet the common thread linking them all is the mentality Behich described when discussing Messi and Argentina. Respect the challenge.
It's a mindset that helped the CommBank Socceroos stand toe-to-toe with the world's best four years ago and they will look to do the same again in North America.
From handling football's biggest occasions to sharing a few laughs with teammates, the CommBank Socceroos are ready to take on the world.
A new wave of Australian football talent is preparing for the game’s biggest moments.
Is this tournament where the next CommBank Matilda or Socceroo was created?
For the latest news and announcements from Commonwealth Bank.
Media releases are prepared without considering an individual reader’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Readers should consider the appropriateness to their circumstances. Visit Important Information to access Product Disclosure Statements or Terms and Conditions which are currently available electronically for products of the Commonwealth Bank Group, along with the relevant Financial Services Guide. Target Market Determinations are available here. Loan applications are subject to credit approval. Interest rates are correct at the time they are published and are subject to change. Fees and charges may apply.
