Lionel Messi's Brace Sends Argentina Through to the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi once again demonstrated why he remains the central figure for Argentina. The La Albiceleste captain scored two goals as his side defeated Austria 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup Group J fixture at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, early Tuesday WIB. 

This victory secured Argentina's spot in the Round of 32, having accumulated six points from two matches. The defending champions sit comfortably at the top of the Group J Standings.

Meanwhile, Austria had to settle for second position in the provisional Standings with three points. They still retain qualification chances, but will need to battle hard in their final group stage match.

Messi actually had an opportunity to claim a hat-trick in this match. However, he failed to convert from the penalty spot following a foul against Lautaro Martinez inside the box in the first half, with Messi's strike drifting wide of Austria's goal.

This missed penalty did not disrupt Argentina's match rhythm. The side coached by Lionel Scaloni remained dominant and repeatedly probed Austria's defence.

Enzo Fernandez unleashed an effort from outside the penalty area, but it was comfortably gathered by Austria Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

Messi finally made amends for his earlier miss in the 38th minute. Making full use of Facundo Medina's pass, Messi beat Schlager to put Argentina ahead 1-0. This goal shifted the match momentum, as La Albiceleste grew visibly more confident.

Austria attempted to respond after the half-time interval. Marcel Sabitzer's free kick was safely claimed by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Just as the fixture looked set to finish 1-0, Messi emerged as the deciding factor. Capitalising on a loose rebound inside the Austrian penalty area, Messi fired an unstoppable shot past Schlager.

This second goal, scored in the 90+5th minute, sealed Argentina's 2-0 win and locked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. 

With six points from two matches, Argentina hold an ideal position to finish as group winners. Austria meanwhile must refocus fully on their final fixture to secure their place in the knockout stage.

Match Lineups

Argentina (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lautaro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.

Austria (4-2-3-1): Alexander Schlager; Konrad Laimer, David Alaba, Kevin Danso, Stefan Posch; Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald; Marcel Sabitzer, Paul Wanner, Romano Schmid; Michael Gregoritsch.