Lionel Messi misses an early penalty but responds with a historic brace as Argentina defeats Austria and secures qualification for the Round of 32. Lionel Scaloni’s side remains perfect through two matches, while Austria must win its final group game to stay alive.
Argentina booked its place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Austria in Dallas, and once again it was Lionel Messi who stole the spotlight.
The Argentine captain endured an unusual setback early in the match, missing a penalty after Lautaro Martínez had been brought down inside the box. But Messi quickly put the disappointment behind him, scoring twice and becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history.
The Albiceleste started aggressively and nearly found the breakthrough within the opening minutes. Lautaro Martínez battled his way past the Austrian defense and was fouled in front of goal. Initially waved off by referee Omar Mohamed, the challenge was reviewed by VAR, which awarded Argentina a penalty.
Messi stepped up from the spot in the ninth minute but surprisingly dragged his effort wide, leaving the score level and briefly energizing Austria.
The miss did little to affect Argentina’s dominance. Lionel Scaloni’s team controlled possession and patiently looked for openings, with Thiago Almada and Facundo Medina combining effectively down the left flank.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 38th minute. Medina advanced into space before finding Almada, who slipped a perfectly weighted pass toward Messi. The captain made no mistake this time, finishing calmly to put Argentina ahead and write another chapter in football history. The strike moved him ahead of every player who has ever competed at the World Cup and also made him the tournament’s outright leading scorer with five goals in just two matches.
Austria attempted to react in the second half, with Marko Arnautović entering the match and Romano Schmid trying to spark the attack, but Ralph Rangnick’s side struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Michael Gregoritsch remained isolated, while Kevin Danso and David Alaba had difficulty containing Argentina’s movement in the final third.
Scaloni introduced Julián Álvarez and Nico González midway through the second half, and González immediately provided fresh energy down the wing. Argentina comfortably managed the tempo and sealed the victory deep into stoppage time.
Messi completed his brace in the 94th minute, calmly finishing another flowing move to cap a memorable night and ensure Argentina’s second consecutive victory at the tournament.
With six points from two matches, the reigning world champions are mathematically through to the Round of 32. Austria remains on three points and will have everything to play for on the final matchday.
Match Report
Argentina 2-0 Austria
Argentina (4-4-2): Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero (57′ Otamendi), Lisandro Martínez, Medina (82′ Tagliafico); De Paul (82′ Paredes), Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Almada (64′ Nico González); Messi, Lautaro Martínez (64′ Julián Álvarez).
Coach: Lionel Scaloni.
Austria (4-2-3-1): Alexander Schlager; Posch (68′ Prass), Danso, Alaba (67′ Friedl), Laimer; Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Wanner (68′ Arnautović), Schmid (78′ Wimmer), Sabitzer; Gregoritsch.
Coach: Ralph Rangnick.
Referee: Omar Mohamed (Egypt).
Goals: 38′ Messi, 90+4′ Messi.
Bookings: Posch (Austria), Medina (Argentina), Laimer (Austria), Paredes (Argentina).
Missed Penalty: Messi (Argentina), 9′.
Red Cards: None.
Venue: Dallas.
