MESSI UNLEASHED: Argentina hunt down brave Austria
Argentina will target a second straight victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J when they square off with Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington in Dallas, USA on Monday.
Kick-off is at 7pm CAT.
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CURRENT FORM
The Albiceleste are flying high after dismantling Algeria 3-0 in their opening match on 17 June, with Lionel Messi netting a hat-trick to tie Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goal record.
As defending champions with a star-studded squad and having won eigtht consecutive matches across all competitions, Argentina sit top of Group J on goal difference and are overwhelming favourites to advance.
Meanwhile, Austria claimed a historic 3-1 victory over Jordan in their Group J opener on 17 June — their first World Cup win since 1990 — and it was also their fourth consecutive victory across all competitions.
The Burschen will fancy their chances against Argentina, as a win over the South American giants would not only secure them a spot in the Round of 32, but also elevate them from second place to the top of the standings with a game to spare.
TEAM NEWS
Nicolás Tagliafico missed Argentina’s win over Algeria due to pre-existing muscle injury, and it is unclear whether the Olympique Lyonnais left-back will be fit for the game against Austria.
On the other side, Austria's star forward Marko Arnautović came on as a substitute in the win over Jordan due to a fitness issue, but the Red Star Belgrade is expected to start against Argentina. However, Mainz 05 defender Stefan Posch is a doubt after suffering a fractured jaw late in the match against Jordan.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni
“We are going to take it one game at a time. The team is happy," Scaloni said after his side's win over Algeria.
"We gave playing time to a lot of players. Hopefully, we can win the next one, so everyone can be in the third group stage match.”
Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick
“The game against Argentina will be extremely difficult. We saw their great quality against Algeria," Rangnick said after his side's win over Jordan.
“But we will deal with Argentina the day after tomorrow. Today we are simply happy about the victory. Tomorrow is for rest and recovery… and then we will prepare intensively for the game against Argentina.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lionel Messi, Argentina: The Albiceleste captain scored a hat-trick against Algeria, showing his incredible dribbling, vision and finishing that can unlock any defence. Against Austria Messi can terrorise them with his movement between the lines, set-pieces, and killer passes that create goals for himself or teammates like Lautaro Martínez.
Marko Arnautović, Austria: The experienced attacker scored against Jordan and was heavily involved in the second goal, using his physical presence and finishing to turn the game. Arnautović will look to use his aerial ability, clever movement in the box and experience to punish any defensive lapses on set-pieces or counters against Argentina.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Argentina and Austria have faced each other three times in history: each team has one win and there is one draw.
In their most recent meeting on 3 May 1990, Austria held Argentina to a 1-1 stalemate in Vienna.
This will be their second meeting at the World Cup (first since 1966).
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