Argentina vs. Austria: Messi aims to make World Cup history

Argentina's players had a perfect start to the 2026 World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Algeria. In what marked his 200th appearance for the national team, Lionel Messi delivered an impressive performance with a classy hat-trick. If he scores against Austria, Messi will become the third player in World Cup history to score in six consecutive matches. He also needs just one more goal to surpass Miroslav Klose (16 goals) and become the tournament's all-time leading scorer. He is aiming for his 17th World Cup goal, a fitting birthday gift as he turns 39 on June 24.

Messi remains the centerpiece of coach Lionel Scaloni's tactical setup. However, Argentina's style no longer relies as heavily on the star as before. Surrounding Messi now is a squad rich in depth and quality across all three lines, from Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez to Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez. This blend of experience, class, and consistency allows La Albiceleste to control the game tempo while adapting well to various types of opponents. The win over Algeria was a strong statement from the defending champions about their ambitions at this World Cup.

Their performance in the opening match shows that Argentina retains the identity that led them to triumph in Qatar. Coach Lionel Scaloni's side no longer plays explosive football at all times, instead becoming pragmatic yet effective. La Albiceleste knows how to control the game as they wish, accelerating when necessary, with individuals capable of making a difference. At the heart of every plan remains Messi.

Argentina is aiming for top spot in the group, which would allow them to avoid the Group H winner (likely Spain) in the round of 32.

Argentina's opponent, Austria, also had a successful opening match, beating Jordan 3-1. The European side has shown efficiency in their high-pressing style and rapid transitions under coach Ralf Rangnick.

The return of defender David Alaba adds experience to Austria's backline, while Kevin Danso provides physical strength in duels. In midfield, Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer are key to maintaining the pressing intensity, while Christoph Baumgartner acts as a creative spark behind the attack. Up front, young talents like Paul Wanner and Carney Chukwuemeka are making a difference with their dribbling and unpredictability.

Coach Ralf Rangnick has truly turned Austria into a side with a solid defense. In their last 18 matches, they have conceded two or more goals only once. Austria has a great opportunity to advance past the group stage of a World Cup for the first time since 1982.

The winner of the match between Argentina and Austria will secure an early ticket to the round of 32. Based on their recent performances, Messi and his teammates are considered favorites in this encounter.

Notably, Austria has always struggled against South American opponents. Since a 1-0 win over Chile at the 1982 World Cup, they have won only one of 10 matches against teams from South America (four draws, five losses)—that victory came against Uruguay in a friendly in November 2017.

The match between Argentina and Austria will take place at 0:00 on June 23. Given the importance of the game, Argentina is likely to control the tempo, while Austria will play defensively, ready to counterattack.

Predicted starting lineups for both teams
Argentina: Dibu Martinez, Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina, De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada, Messi, Lautaro Martinez
Austria: Alex Schlager, Laimer, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene, Seiwald, Xaver Schlager, Schmid, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer, Kalajdzic