Messi one goal from World Cup scoring record as Argentina face Austria in Group J

Lionel Messi stands one goal away from becoming the outright top scorer in World Cup history when Argentina face Austria in their Group J second fixture at the 2026 World Cup. The defending champions opened their title defence with a 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas, with Messi claiming a hat-trick to draw level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals.

Austria arrive in similarly strong form, having beaten Jordan 3-1 in their opener. The winner of the 6pm BST kick-off will seal qualification for the last 32, adding further weight to what is already a heavyweight encounter.

Gabby Logan will present the BBC’s coverage of the match, with a studio panel that includes former France striker Olivier Giroud — himself only recently displaced as his country’s all-time leading scorer — alongside former Chelsea and Spain defender Cesar Azpilicueta and ex-Wales captain Ashley Williams. Azpilicueta, 36, spent 11 seasons at Stamford Bridge and appeared at three World Cups with Spain, while Williams famously captained Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

Giroud, 39, has featured prominently in the BBC’s World Cup studio throughout the tournament and will have a particular interest in watching Messi’s pursuit of the record he himself knows something about — having held France’s all-time scoring mark until last week.

Steve Bower will provide commentary on BBC One, a role he has held for the broadcaster since the 2010 World Cup, with former Liverpool and Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy alongside him as co-commentator. Murphy is a regular presence on Match of the Day during the domestic season and has become a fixture in the BBC’s tournament coverage.