Lionel Messi aims to break all-time scoring record as Argentina seeks victory to secure knockout stage berth
Category: Sports
Argentina will take on Austria in a highly anticipated Group J match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The defending champions, ranked No. 1 by FIFA, come into the match full of confidence after a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, where Lionel Messi scored a hat trick, tying Miroslav Klose for the all-time World Cup goalscoring record with 16 goals.
Both teams currently sit atop Group J with three points each, but a win for Argentina would significantly boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. Austria, ranked 21st in the world, secured their spot in this matchup by defeating Jordan 3-1 in their opener, though their performance raised some eyebrows.
Messi's performance against Algeria was nothing short of spectacular, marking his first-ever hat trick in a FIFA tournament. The 38-year-old superstar, currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, is expected to lead Argentina once again as they aim for another victory. His contributions have been instrumental in Argentina's success, and he remains a focal point for the team as they navigate the tournament.
Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, is likely to field a strong lineup against Austria. The predicted starting eleven includes goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defenders Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Facundo Medina, along with a midfield trio of Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández. Up front, Messi will be flanked by Julián Álvarez and Nicolás González.
In their previous encounters, Argentina and Austria have met three times, with each team securing one win and one draw. The last meeting was a friendly in 1990, which ended in a draw. This historical balance adds an intriguing layer to the matchup, with both teams looking to assert dominance.
Argentina's victory over Algeria showcased their attacking prowess and highlighted their defensive capabilities, as they managed to prevent any shots on target from the North African side. This performance is indicative of a well-rounded team that has been on a winning streak, having conceded just once in their last eight matches. Their attacking unit has scored multiple goals in seven consecutive games, making them formidable opponents.
Austria, under head coach Ralf Rangnick, also enters the match with a strong record, having won their last four matches leading up to the World Cup. Their victory against Jordan, though, was marred by an own goal and a late penalty, raising questions about their ability to compete against top-tier teams like Argentina. Captain David Alaba acknowledged the challenge, stating, "We know what kind of opponent we’re up against, what kind of quality they have in their ranks, even besides Messi."
Both teams understand that a win could almost guarantee their progression to the knockout stage, which adds pressure to perform. Argentina's assistant coach, Pablo Aimar, noted that Austria presents a different challenge compared to Algeria, emphasizing their physicality and tactical discipline. This sentiment is echoed by analysts who suggest that Austria's pressing style could disrupt Argentina's rhythm.
Looking ahead, Argentina aims to solidify their position in the group with a victory over Austria. Should they secure the win, they would advance to the knockout stage, a goal that is within reach. The team is expected to maintain their attacking strategy, with Messi as the linchpin, as they seek to break the all-time scoring record.
For Austria, the match against Argentina is a litmus test of their capabilities on the world stage. A strong performance could bolster their confidence and position in the group, but they will need to improve upon their previous outing against Jordan. Rangnick's tactics will be put to the test as they aim to secure a positive result against the defending champions.
Broadcasting details for the match include coverage on BBC One in the UK, Fox Sports in the U.S., Zee5 in India, and SBS in Australia, ensuring that fans worldwide can tune in to witness this exciting encounter.
As the match approaches, Messi's pursuit of history will undoubtedly be a focal point, with fans and analysts alike eager to see if he can surpass Klose's record. The stakes are high, and both teams are prepared to give their all in what will likely be a thrilling matchup.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET, and the world will follow closely as Argentina looks to continue their path toward World Cup glory, with Messi aiming to make history once again.