FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Austria – Messi’s date with history in Dallas

Lionel Messi has spent the better part of two decades transforming football’s sense of time. Records that once seemed permanent have become milestones in his journey through the game. Defenders have changed, managers have changed, even Argentina’s shape around him has changed, but the central question has remained stubbornly familiar: how do you stop Messi when a game starts to revolve around him?

Austria will be the next team asked to find an answer to that question.

After scoring the 61st hat-trick of his career, 50 for clubs and 11 for Argentina, in the 3-0 win over Algeria, Messi is one goal away from Miroslav Klose as the FIFA World Cup’s all-time top scorer. If he scores against Austria, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will also become only the third player in tournament history to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.

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Just Fontaine did it for France in 1958 and Jairzinho followed for Brazil in 1970, both in separate tournaments. Messi’s run began four years ago at the end of Argentina’s long-awaited triumph in Qatar and continues into what is expected to be his final World Cup.

At 38, his influence shows little sign of fading. Against Algeria, he had direct control of eight of Argentina’s ten shots, six of which he took and created two chances. But while Messi stole the headlines, Argentina’s defensive authority was just as important. Lionel Scaloni’s midfield, led by Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez, expertly protected the defense and did not deny Algeria a single shot on target.

Austria arrive in Dallas after a 3-1 win over Jordan and will look to extend their four-match winning streak in all competitions.

“We know how good Argentina is,” said young midfielder Paul Wanner. «We respect them, but we are confident in our strengths. If we bring our qualities on the pitch, we will cause problems for any team.»

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Austria’s pressing game will look to disrupt Argentina’s rhythm, but coach Ralf Rangnick is concerned about injuries. Captain David Alaba, Stefan Posch, who wore a specially designed protective mask after breaking his jaw against Jordan, and Alessandro Schopf have all been training separately and racing against the clock to be fit for the all-important game. Argentina is also concerned about the fitness of defender Gonzalo Montiel, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury.

If the South Americans beat Austria and Jordan fails to beat Algeria, Scaloni’s side will be guaranteed a place in the knockout rounds as Group J winners.

For Argentina, this is another step towards the ultimate goal of another world title. For Messi, it’s another chance to reclaim a record that once seemed untouchable.

Published on June 21, 2026