Argentina continued to assert their status as a title contender by defeating Austria 2-0 in their second match of Group J at the 2026 World Cup , thus securing an early ticket to the Round of 16.
The main character was still Lionel Messi, who scored both goals to lead his team to victory over a very tough opponent.
The match started dramatically when Argentina were awarded a penalty very early on after VAR determined that Stefan Posch had fouled Lautaro Martinez.
However, Messi's shot went wide of the post, giving Austria a chance to fight back. The European side played with great energy, thanks to the mobility of Marcel Sabitzer, David Alaba, and Konrad Laimer, even dominating possession at times.
Nevertheless, Messi's class made the difference. Towards the end of the first half, he finished accurately from Facundo Medina's cross to open the scoring.
This was also Messi's 17th World Cup goal, helping him surpass Miroslav Klose to become the greatest goalscorer in the tournament's history.
In the second half, Austria continued to fight tenaciously but were unable to break through Argentina's defense. As their opponents pushed forward in search of an equalizer, Messi sealed the match in injury time with a decisive shot from inside the penalty area.
The 2-0 victory extended Argentina's unbeaten run at the World Cup to eight matches and their nine-game winning streak across all competitions.
Messi once again proved that at 39, he remains the guiding light for the reigning champions.
Goals: Messi 38', 90'+5.
Starting lineup:
Argentina (4-4-2): Dibu Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martinez.
Austria (4-2-1-2-1): Alex Schlager; Laimer, Posch, Danso, Alaba; Seiwald, X. Schlager; Wanner; Sabitzer, Schmid; Gregoritsch.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/video-bong-da-argentina-vs-ao-world-cup-2026-2528337.html





























































