Defending champion Argentina could not have started its title defense better: captain Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, the team won the match and also secured a clean sheet.
In that match, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner broke several records in the tournament, including being the oldest to score three times in a World Cup match.
The Albiceleste are on an eight-match winning streak, while Ralf Rangnick’s side are on a six-match unbeaten run, making this Group J match a pretty even affair.
Will Messi start in Argentina vs Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Yes, Lionel Messi will probably start for Argentina against Austria. The 38-year-old underwent full training before matchday minus one, according to local reports from the United States of America (US).
Argentina are drawn with Jordan, Algeria and Austria in the group stage, and the match against Rangnick’s team will be the World Cup holders’ toughest challenge in the first round.
Furthermore, Messi’s recent form in Argentina colors – he has scored five goals in the last four games – makes it all the more imperative that coach Lionel Scaloni starts him, as this match could prove crucial to the team’s progress to the knockouts.
Argentina’s predicted XI vs Austria:
Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Thiago Almada.
Published on June 22, 2026
