Messi's brace sends Argentina through to knockout stages before final group match

Argentina secured their place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup on June 22, dominating Austria 2-0 at AT&T Stadium, thanks to a brace from Lionel Messi in the second half and deep into stoppage time.

The evening had started poorly for the Albiceleste star: in the 8th minute, Messi missed a penalty, squandering an early chance to open the scoring. He made amends emphatically by scoring the opening goal in the 38th minute, before sealing victory in added time (90+5’). It is his second consecutive match with a goal in this tournament, following a hat-trick in the opening victory over Algeria (3-0).

With six points from two matches, Argentina no longer need to wait for their final group game, scheduled in six days against Jordan, to know their fate. Qualification is assured. Austria, meanwhile, find themselves in a precarious position and must beat Algeria to have any hope of continuing their campaign.

In terms of lineups, Lionel Scaloni fielded a classic eleven: Emiliano Martínez in goal, a four-man defence with Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Medina, a midfield of De Paul-Mac Allister-Fernández, and an attacking trio of Messi-Lautaro Martínez-Almada. Austria lined up with Alaba in central defence alongside Danso, and Sabitzer in support of Gregoritsch up front.

The referee for the match was Amin Mohamed Omar.