Argentina vs Austria 2026 World Cup Highlights: Messi Breaks Record
While Argentina and Australia have notably faced each other in recent tournament history—most famously during Argentina's narrow 2-1 victory in the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup—the most recent World Cup action featuring Argentina was their 2-0 victory against Austria on June 22, 2026, in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Highlights from the 2026 Match (Argentina 2-0 Austria)
- Messi's Penalty Miss: Lionel Messi dragged a golden opportunity wide from the penalty spot inside the first 10 minutes after Lautaro Martinez was brought down.
- The Record Breaker (38'): Messi redeemed himself before halftime, starting a fluid attacking sequence before sliding home a low cross from Facundo Medina. This marked his 17th career tournament goal, officially surpassing Miroslav Klose as the all-time top men's World Cup goalscorer.
- The Sealer (95'): Deep into stoppage time, Messi reacted fastest to a loose scramble inside the box to force home his second of the match, cementing a 2-0 win and sending the defending champions into the Round of 32.
Highlights from the 2022 Match (Argentina 2-1 Australia)
- Messi’s Magic (35'): In his 1,000th career game, Messi opened the scoring with a trademark first-time curling finish into the bottom corner.
- Alvarez Capitalizes (57'): Julián Álvarez pounced on an error by Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan to double Argentina's lead. [
- Late Drama (77'): Australia pulled one back via a massive Enzo Fernández own goal, setting up a frantic finish where a sliding challenge from Lisandro Martínez preserved the Argentine victory.
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