Argentina (2W-0L-1D, 6 points) continued their perfect start at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with a 2-0 win over Austria today in their second Group J fixture. Inter Miami CF captain Leo Messi scored a brace to secure the result as Argentina sealed a place in the Round of 32 of the tournament, while midfielder Rodrigo De Paul also featured in the team's starting XI.
Notably, Messi's brace saw him make history with another remarkable record, as he scored his record-breaking 17th and 18th World Cup goals to become the FIFA World Cup™’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer. Our Club captain also reached two other milestones in the process, reaching 18 wins to become the player with most victories in FIFA World Cup™, while also scoring in his past six appearances in the tournament to tie the record for most consecutive World Cup games with a goal.
Lineup Notes
The defending World Cup champions took the pitch with Emiliano Martínez in goal; Nahuel Molina, Crisitian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Facundo Medina made up the back four; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Thiago Almada started in midfield; captain Messi and Lautaro Martínez led the line in attack.
Match Action
Argentina had an early chance to take the lead through a penalty in the 9th minute. The attempt from Messi was ultimately wide of the right post.
The defending champions pushed for the opener throughout the remainder of the first half, and were able to break the deadlock through Messi in the 38th minute. The team captain capitalized on a grounded cross from the left from Facundo Medina and slotted the ball at the bottom-left corner with a first time hit from the top of the box. The goal saw Messi reach 17 FIFA World Cup™ goals to become the leading scorer in tournament history, and extend his scoring run as he has now got onto the scoresheet in his past six appearances in the tournament.
Messi rounded out the result with his second of the night and 18th career World Cup goal in the second half in the fifth minute of stoppage time. The attacking maestro capitalized on a loose ball inside the box after an initial shot that was blocked by the opposition's backline, finding the back of the net with a left footed finish. Messi has now tallied five goals in two appearances at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and leads the tournament as the top scorer.
The 2-0 result held through the final whistle and La Albiceleste sealed a spot in the Round of 32.
Next Match
Next, Argentina will play their third and final match in Group J ahead of the Round of 32, continues their campaign with their second Group J fixture, taking on Jordan this Saturday, June 27 at 10 p.m. ET at Dallas Stadium.
Stats
Possession:
ARG - 54%
AUT - 46%
Shots:
ARG - 12
AUT - 6
Saves:
ARG - 1
AUT - 2
Corners:
ARG - 1
AUT - 3
Fouls:
ARG - 13
AUT - 13
