Messi scores twice as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 at World Cup
The win sends Argentina into the round of 32 and top of Group J with six points from two matches.
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in a Group J match at the 2026 World Cup at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Monday local time, behind two goals from Lionel Messi. The victory secured Argentina's place in the round of 32 and left it atop the standings with six points from two matches, while Austria remained second with three points. Messi missed a penalty early in the match but made up for it in the 38th minute after receiving a pass from Facundo Medina. His second goal came in the 90+5th minute from a rebound in the Austria penalty area. Enzo Fernandez also threatened, while Marcel Sabitzer created Austria's best chance with a free kick saved by Emiliano Martinez. FIFA records showed all five of Argentina's goals in the tournament have been scored by Messi.