Messi's double fires Argentina into World Cup knockouts

Defending world champions Argentina took a major step toward the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria at Dallas Stadium on Monday night, inspired once again by the brilliance of Lionel Messi.

The Argentine captain scored in the 38th minute and deep into stoppage time to secure all three points for Lionel Scaloni’s side in a match that was more competitive than the final scoreline suggested.

Austria, coached by Ralf Rangnick, remained organized but ultimately had no answer to Messi’s decisive quality.

The victory continues Argentina’s impressive World Cup tradition.

La Albiceleste are three-time world champions, having lifted football’s biggest prize in 1978, 1986, and 2022.

They are also one of South America’s most successful nations, winning a record 16 Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima.

Argentina entered the tournament as reigning world champions and among the favorites to lift the trophy once again.

Austria, meanwhile, are enjoying one of their strongest periods in recent decades.

Their greatest World Cup achievement remains a third-place finish in 1954, while they also finished fourth in 1934.

The Central European nation belongs to UEFA and has never won a major international trophy, though it reached the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2024 under Rangnick’s leadership.

Austria arrived at the tournament after defeating Jordan 3-1 and pushed Argentina for long spells.

The match carried special significance for Messi.

His opening goal moved him ahead of Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the outright leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history, while his late second goal extended that record further.

The brace also took his tally to five goals in the 2026 tournament.

Since making his World Cup debut in 2006, Messi has now scored against Serbia and Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria, Australia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Netherlands, Croatia, France, Algeria, and Austria.

Across six World Cup editions—2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026—he has continued to rewrite football history and strengthen his legacy as one of the game’s greatest players.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who guided the nation to the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, praised his team’s composure.

With two wins from two matches, Argentina are now firmly in control of Group J and appear destined for the knockout rounds.

For Austria, hope remains alive, but they will need a strong performance on the final matchday to keep their World Cup dream alive.

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