Argentina vs – Lionel Messi and Argentina begin their Group J push at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, aiming to clinch knockout-stage momentum against Austria. The matchup follows Messi’s hat trick in the opener and comes with the tournament’s early results adding pressure
ARLINGTON. Texas — When Lionel Messi found himself with the ball inside the box and the chance to strike toward his right foot. Austria’s goalkeeper Alexander Schlager met it with a save of his own leg. Even before the match settled into its rhythm. the tension was clear: Argentina needed to keep control in a group where “there’s no easy game.”.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said a day before the match that “what you’re seeing in the World Cup is there’s no easy game. ” adding that “the group phase historically … it’s always been difficult for everyone.” That message landed with extra weight as Monday’s Group J match unfolded. with Argentina trying to repeat as champions and Austria pushing forward with belief of their own.
Messi enters the contest after scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s opener against Algeria. tying the men’s record with his 16th career World Cup goal and becoming the tournament’s record sixth appearance for Argentina’s star. Argentina can clinch a spot in the knockout stage with a win. but the Albiceleste have been watching other favorites drop points over the past 10 days of games.
The match kicked off at 1:00 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where Argentina supporters dominated the crowd in Dallas Stadium—singing early and loud for a noon local kickoff. There was also a noticeable Austria contingent, especially in the west corner.
Argentina made one change to the starting XI that faced Algeria and won 3-0. Nahuel Molina comes in for Gonzalo Montiel at right back, a switch Scaloni made at halftime. The Argentina lineup is: Dibu Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Almada.
Austria’s lineup lists Alexander Schlager as goalkeeper behind a back line of Kevin Danso, Stefan Posch, and David Alaba. In front, Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald, Marcel Sabitzer, Romano Schmid, Konrad Laimer, and Paul Wanner start in midfield, with Michael Gregoritsch leading the forward line.
As play moved along in North Texas, Austria pressed upward. A missed penalty had seemed to take some of the air out of Argentina’s challenge. and Argentina still had to defend a free kick on the left side of the area. Then came a rare moment that carried the weight of the scoreboard: Messi. with the chance to become the all-time top goalscorer in Men’s World Cup. put the effort to the goalkeeper’s left but didn’t hit the target. “We’re still 0-0,” came the immediate reaction—an outcome not often associated with Messi.
Moments later, Stefan Posch took out Lautaro. After checking the monitor, the referee called a penalty. Lautaro Martinez remained down in the box and received attention on his ankle after the scoring opportunity, while Lionel Messi stepped up to take the penalty.
The sequence also showed how quickly the game can swing. After Lautaro felt he had been fouled as two Austria defenders came together, he was helped off the field, and the incident moved into a VAR check.
Argentina’s attacking patterns were still building. with Thiago Almada engineering an opportunity on the left side of the attack and reaching the end line before running out of space. Earlier. after a free kick was cleared by Argentina. Messi tried to start a counter-attack only for Paul Wanner—an Austria midfielder at age 20—to take the ball off him in the middle of the park.
Predictions entered the conversation before kickoff as well. Seth Vertelney picked Argentina 2-1 Austria. saying Argentina would have a tougher time than it did against Algeria and can’t count on a Messi hat trick every game. but that the champs should be able to secure all three points. Jon Arnold forecast Argentina 3-0 Austria. arguing Austria tries to stay faithful to its tactics but can’t stop Lionel Messi and Co. Jesse Yomtov went with Argentina 3-1 Austria for another complete performance and three points. while Victoria Hernandez also picked Argentina 3-1. saying Argentina would keep dominance but Austria would have one shining moment.
Argentina and Austria are locked in Group J play, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Lineups were announced approximately an hour before kickoff, and fans have been able to track live group standings, stats, and the updated bracket through World Cup coverage tied to USA Today Sports.
Messi Argentina vs Austria World Cup Group J AT&T Stadium Arlington Texas lineups start time Scaloni