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| Messi |
Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Austria 2-0 in a Group J encounter at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The match belonged to captain Lionel Messi, who scored both goals and became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals, surpassing Germany legend Miroslav Klose.
First Half
Argentina began brightly and were awarded an early penalty, but Messi surprisingly missed from the spot, marking his third penalty miss in World Cup history. Austria remained organised and attempted to trouble the South Americans with their pressing game.
Despite the setback, Argentina gradually took control. In the 38th minute, a flowing move involving Thiago Almada and Facundo Medina ended with Messi firing a left-footed effort past goalkeeper Alexander Schlager to give La Albiceleste a deserved 1-0 lead. The goal saw the Argentine icon break the World Cup scoring record.
Second Half
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| Team Austra |
Austria pushed for an equaliser after the break and enjoyed some possession, but they found it difficult to break down Argentina's solid defence marshalled by Cristian Romero and Emiliano Martínez.
Argentina created several chances to extend their lead, while Schlager produced important saves to keep Austria in the contest. However, deep into stoppage time, Messi struck again, converting after a blocked effort to seal the victory and complete his brace.
Match Summary
2026 FIFA World Cup – Group J
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA
Result: Argentina 2-0 Austria
Goals
38' ⚽ Lionel Messi (Argentina)
90+? ⚽ Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Key Moments
Early penalty missed by Lionel Messi.
Messi became the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 18 goals.
Argentina secured qualification to the Round of 32.
Messi has now scored five goals in two matches at the tournament.
Starting XIs
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nicolás Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada, Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi.
Austria: Alexander Schlager, Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, Philipp Lienhart, Maximilian Wöber, Konrad Laimer, Nicolas Seiwald, Romano Schmid, Christoph Baumgartner, Marcel Sabitzer, Marko Arnautović.
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| Argentina |
The victory leaves Lionel Scaloni's men on maximum points in Group J and firmly on course to finish top of the group, while Austria will need a positive result in their final group match to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout phase alive.
