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

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

This result officially secures Argentina's spot in the Round of 32, with the defending champions collecting 6 points from their opening two matches and sitting comfortably at the top of Group J Standings.

On the other side, Austria currently sits in temporary second place of the Standings with 3 points. They still retain Qualification Chances, but will need to fight for their spot in the final group stage match.

Messi actually had a clear opportunity to score a hat-trick in this match. He failed to convert a first half penalty awarded for a foul against Lautaro Martinez inside the box, with his spot kick drifting wide of Austria's goal frame.

This missed penalty did not disrupt Argentina's game rhythm. The squad managed by Lionel Scaloni maintained full dominance and continuously threatened Austria's defensive line.

Enzo Fernandez fired a long range shot from outside the penalty area, which was still successfully parried by Austria Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

Messi finally made amends for his miss in the 38th minute. Finishing off a through pass from Facundo Medina, Messi beat Schlager to put Argentina ahead 1-0. This goal shifted the match momentum completely, as La Albiceleste played with growing confidence afterwards.

Austria attempted to mount a response after the half time break. Marcel Sabitzer's Free kick attempt was safely collected by Argentina Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Just as the match appeared set to end 1-0, Messi emerged as the decisive difference maker. Reacting first to a loose rebound inside Austria's penalty area, Messi unleashed an unstoppable shot that Schlager could not stop.

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

With 6 points from two matches, Argentina hold the perfect position to finish as group winners. Meanwhile Austria must shift full focus to their final group fixture to secure their own place in the knockout rounds.

Starting 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.