Messi Breaks WC Record As Argentina Advance…

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Reigning champions Argentina advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage after defeating Austria 2-0 in Houston on Monday evening.

Fixture: Argentina v Austria
Score: 2-0
Goalscorers: Messi (38′, 95′)

Lionel Scaloni’s men came into the clash on a high after thrashing Algeria 3-0 in their opening game with captain Lionel Messi stealing the show with the tournament’s first hat-trick, while the Austrians overcome Jordan in their opening encounter last week.

Messi, however did not enjoy a good start to the encounter after squandering to give Argentina the lead after nine minutes when he failed to convert from the penalty spot after Lautaro Martinez was fouled by Stefan Posch.

It was one-way traffic in the first half as the duo of Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez dictated play from the middle of the park against an Austrian side, who were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure while they struggle to carve out anything on the break.

Austria’s resolve eventually broke seven minutes before the halftime break as Messi redeemed himself with a lovely first-time finish on the edge of the box and in doing so became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with his 17th goal.

The Europeans were a lot a more livelier going forward, with Marcel Sabitzer proving to be a bit of trouble for Argentine defence, as the RB Leipzig star got his team’s first big opening at goal from a dead-ball situation although Emiliano Martinez pulled off the fine save.

The chances had dried up for Argentina as the second half went on, which Austria coach Ralf Ragnick to freshen up his stall by introducing Marco Friedl, Alexander Prass and Marko Arnautovic for the final 20 minutes of the contest.

The changes would not go on to have the desired effect despite Argentina still pushing for a second goal and leaving gaps at the back, as the reigning champions secured their second goal in time added on when Messi completed his brace by rifling the ball into the box after Austria failed to clear their lines.

Next Fixtures:

Argentina: Jordan

Austria: Algeria

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