The Argentina national team demonstrated character and skill in the second group stage match of the 2026 World Cup, securing a victory over Austria. This encounter was not just another step in the fight for the trophy, but also an arena for unique achievements by the legendary Lionel Messi, who entered history twice in a single match — from both sides of the medal.

Anti-record and First Goal

The match began with intense fighting in the Austrian penalty area. Already in the 4th minute, Lautaro Martinez made a breakthrough where he was fouled by the home defender Stefan Posch. After reviewing the video replay, the Egyptian referee Amin Omar awarded a penalty. The right to take the shot went to the Argentina captain Lionel Messi, however, his shot from the eleven-meter mark missed the goal.

This miss became the Argentine's third missed penalty in his career at World Cups, adding to the failures of 2018 and 2022. Thus, Messi set a sad anti-record, surpassing the Ghanaian Asamoah Gyan, who had two such misses.

Despite the difficult start, the game returned to the center of the field, and the real sharpness resumed in the 32nd minute. After a mistake by goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, Messi's shot into the empty goal was managed to be blocked by David Alaba, saving his team's goal.

Historic Brace and Qualification for Knockout Stage

Austria's heroic defense could not withstand the pressure in the 39th minute. After a cross by Facundo Medina from the left flank and a pass by Thiago Almada, Messi scored a precise shot against the goalkeeper to open the score — 1:0. This goal became the forward's 17th at World Cups, making him the absolute top scorer in the history of these tournaments.

The second half of the match passed in a tough struggle. The Austrians, led by Ralf Rangnick, tried to equalize. In the 55th minute, Marcel Sabitzer powerfully executed a free kick, but Emiliano Martinez saved Argentina with a dizzying jump. The response shot by Nicolas Gonzalez in the 73rd minute after a Messi corner kick went slightly wide.

Tension peaked in the 76th minute when, after a rough foul by Konrad Laimer against Gonzalez, a scuffle broke out. Facundo Medina defended his partner, pushing the offender, for which both players received yellow cards.

Coaches actively changed the lineups: the Austrians brought on Marco Arnautovic and Carney Chukwuemeka, while Lionel Scaloni strengthened the defense, sending Nicolas Otamendi, Leandro Paredes, and Nicolas Tagliafico onto the field.

In the end, Argentina not only withstood the final pressure but also scored the second goal. The genius Messi completed a brace in the 90+5th minute, securing the victory.

Group J Results

After two victories, Argentina accumulated 6 points, solely topped Group J, and guaranteed themselves a place in the knockout stage. Austria with 3 points occupies second place. The other match of the 2nd round of Group J between the Jordan and Algeria national teams will take place on Tuesday, June 23, at 6:00 Kyiv time.

In the final round on June 28, simultaneously at 5:00 Kyiv time, Argentina and Algeria will meet, as well as Austria and Jordan.