World Cup – Messi scores twice as Argentina defeats Austria 2-0

In the second round of Group J matches of the 2026 World Cup, Argentina, the "Pampas Eagles," defeated Austria 2-0 thanks to two goals from Messi.

Two minutes into the game, Argentina created an attacking opportunity. Enzo made a through pass into the penalty area, where Thiago Almada, who plays for Atletico Madrid, received the ball and shot, but the ball was blocked by Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

In the 4th minute, Lautaro Martinez was brought down by Austrian defender Stefan Posch while attempting an attack. After VAR intervention, the referee awarded Argentina a penalty. Messi then took the penalty but missed.

In the 18th minute, Messi received the ball and attempted a shot from inside the penalty area, but his shot was saved by an opposing player. In the 23rd minute, Austria launched an attack, with Stefan Posch delivering a cross, and Paul Wanner heading the ball wide.

In the 32nd minute, Messi's pass was blocked by Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, and Messi's follow-up shot was cleared by an opposing player. In the 38th minute, Facundo Medina passed the ball back from the left wing, and Messi seized the opportunity in the penalty area to slot the ball into the net, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead.

At the start of the second half, Austria launched the first attack. Sabitzer received a pass from Sewald and took a long-range shot, but the ball went wide of the goal. In the 54th minute, Austria won a free kick. Sabitzer took the free kick and shot directly, but it was saved by Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

In the 61st minute, Thiago Almada passed the ball to Enzo outside the penalty area, who took a long-range shot but it was blocked. In the 67th minute, Sabitzer crossed the ball from the left wing, and Gregoritsch headed it towards goal, but the ball went over the post.

In the 73rd minute, Messi took a corner kick, and Nicolás González's header went wide. In the 86th minute, Lisandro played a long pass, and Nicolás González's shot was cleared. Enzo's follow-up shot was also blocked by an opposing player. In stoppage time of the second half, Kevin Danso headed the ball across, and Patrick Wimmer's header went wide.

Three minutes later, Messi passed the ball across the goal, and Alvarez received it and shot, but it was blocked by Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. Messi then received a cross from Paderez and fired a shot, which was blocked, but Messi followed up and scored, helping Argentina extend their lead to 2-0.

Argentina ultimately defeated Austria 2-0, securing their place in the round of 32 with two consecutive wins.

Image source: Internet