TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria in the second match of Group J of the 2026 World Cup at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, in the early hours of Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The team's captain, Lionel Messi, shone as Albiceleste's star, scoring two goals.
With this achievement, Messi now holds the record for the highest goal scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals across his participation in six editions of the tournament. The 38-year-old surpassed the previous record of 16 goals held by Germany's Miroslav Klose.
Argentina actually had a golden opportunity to take the lead earlier. In the ninth minute, Messi had a chance through a penalty kick after referee Amin Omar pointed to the spot following a VAR-reviewed incident involving Lautaro Martnez. However, Messi's execution narrowly missed to the right side of the goal.
Led by Lionel Scaloni, the team continued to press forward. In the 32nd minute, Messi almost opened the scoring after capitalizing on a rebound from Enzo Fernndez's opportunity, but Austria's goalkeeper, Alexander Schlager, still managed to make the save.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 38th minute. Starting with a pass from Facundo Medina, Messi received the ball inside the penalty box before releasing an accurate shot to the bottom left corner of the goal. Argentina took a 1-0 lead and maintained that score until halftime.
Entering the second half, Austria sought to increase the intensity of their attacks. Their best chance came in the 55th minute through a free kick by Marcel Sabitzer. However, goalkeeper Emiliano Martnez was alert, deflecting the ball aimed at the top right corner of the goal.
Argentina also had to make a forced substitution in the 57th minute after Cristian Romero suffered an injury. He was replaced by Nicolas Otamendi.
Towards the end of the match, Austria threatened with a header by Patrick Wimmer in injury time, but the ball narrowly missed the target. Shortly after, Argentina was able to secure the victory.
In the 90+5th minute, Julian Alvarez almost scored after facing Schlager one on one. The goalkeeper managed to deflect his shot, but the rebound fell to Messi. The 39-year-old forward effortlessly seized the rebound to score his second goal, sealing Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria.
Read: World Cup Preview: Argentina Face Austria's High-Pressing Challenge
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
World Cup Preview: Argentina Face Austria's High-Pressing Challenge
20 jam lalu
Both teams enter the match on the back of opening wins and will be seeking another three points to strengthen their knockout-stage chances.
Lionel Messi Makes History as First Man to Play at 6 World Cups
5 hari lalu
Lionel Messi cemented his legacy by becoming the first male footballer to appear in six World Cups during Argentina's victory over Algeria.
Why Did Messi Cry After Scoring in Argentina's World Cup Opener?
5 hari lalu
Apart from scoring his first hat-trick in the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi became the first player to appear in six editions of the tournament.
World Cup 2026: Messi Hat-Trick Powers Argentina to 3-0 Win Over Algeria
5 hari lalu
Lionel Messi was the star of the victory for Albiceleste, scoring all three goals for Argentina. His hat-trick equaled Miroslav Klose's record as the top goal scorer in World Cup history.
Argentina vs Algeria Lineups: Messi Leads World Cup Holders
5 hari lalu
Lionel Messi will lead defending champions Argentina against Algeria in their opening match of Group D of the 2026 World Cup
World Cup Prediction: Argentina Face Tough Test Against Algeria
6 hari lalu
The Argentina vs Algeria clash will take place in the opening match of Group J in the 2026 World Cup at Arrowhead Stadium on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 08.00 AM WIB.
Hantavirus: Argentina Expands Probe to Trace Outbreak Source
16 hari lalu
Argentine and US scientists will test rodents in Mendoza as investigators try to trace the source of a hantavirus outbreak that killed three people.
Messi Set for Sixth World Cup as Argentina Announce Final Squad
24 hari lalu
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni officially announced his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday.
Lionel Messi Suffers Injury Ahead of 2026 World Cup
28 hari lalu
Lionel Messi was injured during the 2026 MLS match between Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union.
Argentina Includes Lionel Messi in 2026 World Cup Roster
41 hari lalu
Lionel Messi remains in coach Lionel Scaloni's Argentinian squad, while Paulo Dybala is absent.
