DALLAS — Lionel Messi scored two goals as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Monday, securing the defending champions’ spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with two group matches remaining.
Messi’s brace, which came in the 38th minute and again in stoppage time, brought his total World Cup goals to 18, surpassing the previous all-time record of 16 held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose. The Argentine captain also scored a hat-trick in the team’s opening group match against Algeria.
The victory gave Argentina six points from two matches in Group J. Austria and Algeria, who both have three points after two matches, will face each other in the final group stage match to decide who joins Argentina in the knockout round. Jordan sits at the bottom of the group with zero points and has been eliminated from contention.
Argentina took control early, with Messi converting a penalty in the fifth minute only for the goal to be disallowed after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review determined an offside position in the buildup. The Argentine talisman found the net legitimately in the 38th minute, finishing from close range after a cutback from the left flank.
In added time, Argentina countered rapidly, with Julian Alvarez’s shot saved before Messi pounced on the rebound to double the lead.
Argentina, currently ranked first in the FIFA world rankings, will face Jordan in their final group match. A draw would secure top position in the group and potentially set up a Round of 16 matchup against a second-placed team from Group H, where Spain currently leads.
