Welcome to Sporstar’s live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina vs Austria in Dallas. Both the teams come into the game after wins over Algeria and Jordan, respectively.
Argentina, the defending world champion, got off to a disappointing start when its captain Lionel Messi missed a penalty. He made amends before the break when he rattled the net with a brilliant left-footed strike to put his team ahead.
Lionel Messi moved two clear of Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading goalscorer at the World Cup as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Dallas.
After an unfathomable missed penalty early on, Messi found the bottom corner to score his 17th in tournament history in the first half, before squeezing home in stoppage time to complete his brace.
What does this mean for the group?
Argentina are now on the brink of sealing their status as group winners.
And it can happen as soon as tonight if Jordan don’t beat Algeria.
If they do, Argentina will just need a draw against Jordan in their final group stage match to clinch the top of the group.
All is not lost for Ralf Rangnick’s side, though — who can themselves solidify their knockout status with a win against Algeria.
Argentina Starting XI: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Thiago Almada
Austria Starting XI: Alexander Schlager; Kevin Danso, Stefan Posch, David Alaba; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Romano Schmid, Konrad Laimer, Marcel Sabitzer, Paul Wanner; Michael Gregoritsch
Match Overview:
Kick-Off time: 10:30 pm local time
Location: Dallas Stadium
Referee: Amin Mohamed Omar
Goalscorers: Lionel Messi (38’, 90+5’)
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