Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 on Monday in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match at Dallas Stadium.
Lionel Messi scored both goals for the defending champions. He broke Miroslav Klose’s all time World Cup scoring record with his 17th and 18th career goals in the tournament.
Messi missed a penalty in the early minutes but responded with a strong performance. In the 38th minute, he finished a team move after Thiago Almada let the ball run through to Facundo Medina, who set up Messi for a low shot into the corner.
Argentina held the lead through a physical second half where Austria pressed forward but created few clear chances. In stoppage time at the 90+5 mark, Messi scored again to seal the result.
Argentina finished with better possession at around 54 percent and took 12 shots to Austria’s 6. The win gives Argentina six points from two games and a spot in the knockout round with one group match remaining. Austria has one point from its opening games.
Messi’s brace highlighted Argentina’s control in key moments against a determined Austrian side. The result keeps the team on track in the expanded tournament.