Argentina secured a 2-0 victory against Austria in their second group match of the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi scored the opening goal in the 39th minute, simultaneously netting his 17th World Cup goal of his career and establishing a new record. Following a promising attack initiated by Thiago Almada and Facundo Medina, the ball reached Messi, who slotted the shot low into the left corner from outside the box. Earlier in the game, Messi had also had a significant chance to take the lead via a penalty in the 9th minute, but missed the opportunity.
The match began at a high pace, with Argentina taking quick control. However, Austria showed fighting spirit, holding their own effectively. Despite several good opportunities for both teams, the game remained delicately poised with the South Americans leading at halftime.
In the second half, Austria attempted to increase the pressure, but the Argentine defense remained solid. In the final stages, the Argentinians skillfully managed their lead, controlling possession while Austria searched fruitlessly for the breakthrough. The Austrian side failed to find an equalizer. Messi ultimately sealed the victory in stoppage time, becoming the first player in World Cup history to score all five goals for Argentina during the tournament so far.
Meanwhile, Miroslav Klose publicly congratulated Messi on the scoring record. Speaking to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” on Monday, Klose stated, “I always said that Messi is not bad. Lionel Messi is the greatest football player of all time for me. Congratulations, Champion.” Klose himself had previously held the record with 16 World Cup goals.
Just before the tournament started, Klose had acknowledged that his record might fall during this competition to the SZ. “That is completely okay; the record will eventually be broken anyway, and it’s fine if Messi is the one to do it. I have always been a big fan of Messi,” Klose said, referring to the Argentinian as “a genius.”
