Argentina claimed a second consecutive victory at the World Cup by defeating Austria 2-0 in their Group J encounter. Lionel Messi was the standout performer, scoring both goals and becoming the outright leading scorer in World Cup history.
The 38-year-old entered the match level with Miroslav Klose on 16 goals after netting a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opening fixture. He had an early opportunity to move ahead when his side was awarded a penalty, but the veteran forward fired his effort wide of the target.
That miss did little to affect his influence on the game. Before half-time he finally broke the record with a composed finish, and deep into stoppage time he added another goal to take his World Cup tally to 18.
Argentina take control before the break
The South American side were handed a penalty inside the opening 10 minutes after Lautaro Martinez was involved in a challenge with Stefan Posch and goalkeeper Alex Schlager. Following a lengthy VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, but Messi could not convert the chance.
Argentina continued to threaten despite the setback. Austria were forced into several defensive interventions, while Marcel Sabitzer’s free-kick at the other end was comfortably dealt with. As the half progressed, Austria enjoyed more possession, and Sabitzer saw an effort blocked.
After the hydration break, Argentina regained momentum. Schlager intercepted a dangerous pass from Messi before captain David Alaba blocked the forward’s follow-up attempt. The pressure eventually paid off in the 38th minute when Facundo Medina picked out Messi in the penalty area, allowing him to guide a low finish into the bottom corner.
Austria pushes back, but Argentina stay in command
Messi remained involved after the interval, seeing a chipped free kick cleared away by the Austrian defence. Shortly afterwards, Emiliano Martinez produced an important save to deny Sabitzer from a set piece.
Argentina continued searching for a second goal. Enzo Fernandez had an effort blocked by Kevin Danso following a well-worked move, while another Messi attempt appeared to be touched behind by Schlager, although a goal kick was awarded instead.
Austria created opportunities of their own and came close through Michael Gregoritsch, whose header from a Sabitzer cross sailed over the bar. At the other end, Nico Gonzalez narrowly missed the target with a flicked header from Messi’s corner.
A late strike seals victory
The closing stages featured chances for both teams. Danso made another crucial block to deny Gonzalez before Fernandez’s follow-up effort was stopped by the Austrian defence. Austria then threatened through Patrick Wimmer, but his header drifted wide.
Argentina eventually found the decisive second goal in added time. Julian Alvarez forced a save from Schlager, and when the ball was worked back into the area, Messi reacted quickest to fire home his second goal of the evening and his fifth of the tournament.
The result secured Argentina’s place in the knockout rounds with a match to spare ahead of their final group game against Jordan.
