Argentina vs Austria LIVE: Second half underway! Lionel Messi becomes the World Cup’s all‑time top scorer! (1-0)

Marco Friedl replaces David Alaba. Then,  Alexander Prass comes on for Stefan Posch, and Marko Arnautović replaces Paul Wanner as Austria look to push for an equalizer.

Thiago Almada and Lautaro Martínez make way, with Nicolás González and Julián Álvarez coming on as Scaloni adjusts his attack for the final stretch.

Cristian “Cuti” Romero appeared to be dealing with a knee problem before his departure in the 57th minute. Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi replaced him, earning his 134th cap.

Nicolás Otamendi comes on as Cristian “Cuti” Romero makes way. Scaloni looks to refresh the back line for the final stretch.

Marcel Sabitzer unleashes a powerful strike from the edge of the box, and Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez reacts brilliantly, stretching low to keep Argentina in front. Austria stay on the ball in the final third as they continue to push.

Cristian “Cuti” Romero steps in late and brings down an Austrian player as he challenges for the ball.

Xaver Schlager clips Lionel Messi in midfield, committing another foul as Austria try to break Argentina’s rhythm.

Lionel Messi burst through alone toward goal, but the assistant raises the flag. The captain was in an offside position at the moment of the pass.

Cristian “Cuti” Romero stayed on the ground after a previous tackle before the foul on Messi, but he gets back to his feet without major issues. Argentina keep the ball and settle the tempo.

Xaver Schlager brings down Lionel Messi as the captain tries to turn away from pressure. Clear foul, and Argentina keep control.

Austria put the ball back in play as Argentina look to build on their halftime lead. Scaloni’s team settle quickly while Austria press high from the restart.

Argentina dominate possession with 57% against Austria’s 43%. Both sides register two total shots, but only Argentina manage one on target, the one that gave them the lead through Messi’s strike.

The referee blows for halftime. Argentina go into the break with a 1–0 lead thanks to Messi’s record‑breaking strike, while Austria push but can’t find a way through.

The three‑time champions manage the pace with no urgency. Scaloni’s side hold the ball and wait for the break.

Scaloni’s team hold their shape in added time, keeping Austria from creating danger as the half winds down.

Lionel Messi not only puts Argentina ahead with his strike against Austria — he also matches a difficult World Cup record thanks to his ongoing scoring streak, all while surpassing Miroslav Klose to stand alone as the competition’s top scorer.

The referee signals seven minutes of stoppage time as Argentina protect their lead after Messi’s strike.

Alexis Mac Allister brings down his man in midfield. Austria press aggressively, looking for an equalizer before halftime.

Stefan Posch goes into the referee’s book after a late challenge, and Austria’s defender becomes the latest player cautioned as the intensity rises.

Messi breaks the deadlock with a brilliant strike from outside the box, firing a low shot past Schlager. With this goal, the Argentine captain moves past Miroslav Klose to stand alone as the top scorer in World Cup history.

Nahuel Molina brings down his marker on the right side, giving Austria a free kick as they try to push forward.

Thiago Almada keeps moving into central pockets, constantly swapping positions with Enzo Fernández. Argentina look for new attacking angles as Scaloni’s side reshapes its structure in possession.

Alexis Mac Allister organizes the buildup from the base, while Enzo drifts toward the left side to offer support.

Lautaro Martínez acrobatically clears inside the box, but Austria quickly recover the second ball and stay on the front foot.

Austria win a corner on the left side. Marcel Sabitzer steps over the ball to take it.

Austria work through their three‑center‑back setup as David Alaba carries the ball out with ease. The visitors pack the midfield with five players, giving them control in the central lanes as they look to progress.

We’re back underway. Austria have the ball and will restart with a throw‑in on the right side.

Messi’s miss against Austria puts the spotlight back on the comparison: the Argentine has a less reliable World Cup penalty record than Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains steadier from the spot on this stage.

Play pauses for the scheduled cooling break as both teams regroup. Argentina use the moment to reset after Austria’s strong spell, while the visitors stay sharp around their pressing structure.

Marcel Sabitzer connects with a clean volley that forces a deflection off Argentina’s defense. The ball flies just wide and Austria earn a corner as they threaten again.

Konrad Laimer stays on the ground after a challenge from Lautaro Martínez, but he gets back up without issues. The referee lets the action flow as Austria resume play.

Argentina press high and regain control as Alexis Mac Allister dictates the tempo, slowing the game down at the right moment. Much better from La Albiceleste after looking shaken following Messi’s missed penalty.

Austria recover the ball again and keep pushing with their high press. Argentina respond by stepping up their lines, but they’re still feeling the pressure in midfield.

In Matchday 2 of Group J at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi had the chance to open the scoring against Austria but sent his penalty wide, becoming the first player to miss from the spot in this edition of the tournament.

Scaloni’s team restart from a set piece and attempt to play out calmly, but they’re struggling in midfield as Austria continue to apply pressur

Nahuel Molina reacts quickly with a double clearance on the right side. Lionel Messi loses the ball in midfield and Austria immediately recover their shape to press forward.

Austria win a foul on the edge of the box, wide on Argentina’s left side. A threatening position as La Albiceleste prepare to defend.

Austria take the free kick, but the play ends with La Albiceleste’s back line stepping in to clear the ball and reset their shape.

Austria win a foul after a strong challenge, and it’s a tough moment for Argentina, who look a bit rushed after the missed penalty. La Albiceleste try to settle back into their rhythm.

Lionel Messi goes for a low, driven shot across the keeper, but it drifts wide and Argentina can’t capitalize from the spot. A huge let‑off for Austria as the score stays level in Dallas.

The referee points to the spot after the challenge on Lautaro Martínez. Lionel Messi steps up as he looks to make history in Dallas.

After Lautaro Martínez goes down inside the box, the referee signals for a VAR review to assess a potential penalty. The stadium holds its breath as the officials take a closer look.

A brilliant through ball finds Lautaro Martínez, who goes down inside the box after contact as he tries to control it. 

Thiago Almada is flagged offside as he tries to break into the Austrian half. Early movements from La Albiceleste as they look to take control.

Austria’s Stefan Posch draws immediate attention as he steps onto the pitch wearing a protective mask.

The second Group J match for both Argentina and Austria is underway at Dallas Stadium, opening a crucial early test in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Lionel Messi leads La Albiceleste in their push toward the Round of 32.

Both teams line up for the pre‑match protocol in Arlington. The atmosphere is electric as Argentina and Austria prepare to begin their Group J clash.

Austria take on Argentina in Group J with Marko Arnautovic starting on the bench, as the coaching staff opt for a different approach in a high‑pressure Matchday 2 clash.

Classic kits for both teams in what could be one of the day’s most entertaining Matchday 2 clashes, with Argentina and Austria arriving undefeated.

Argentina enter Matchday 2 knowing that a win over Austria would secure their place in the Round of 32. Anything less keeps the group wide open heading into the final matchday, adding pressure to a team looking to advance early and maintain control of Group J.

A huge chance goes to waste for Argentina. Lautaro carries the ball forward with only one defender chasing him, and Enzo arrives to combine, but the midfielder’s attempted return pass rolls straight out of play. A promising move ends with nothing.

Players from both sides are out on the pitch at Dallas Stadium, going through their warm‑up routines as kickoff approaches.

Enzo Fernández tries his luck from the edge of the box, but his effort goes straight into the defender’s chest and the chance disappears.

Why Julián Álvarez isn’t starting today for Argentina vs Austria at the 2026 World Cup Argentina play their Matchday 2 Group J game against Austria with Julián Álvarez starting on the bench. Scaloni opts for a different attacking structure as Lionel Messi leads the frontline in a crucial clash for a Round of 32 spot.

Today’s action takes place at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), which is configured for a FIFA World Cup capacity of 94,000 spectators, making it the largest venue used in the 2026 tournament.
Home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, the stadium has been adapted for World Cup requirements, including expanded media areas and a retractable roof that ensures ideal conditions for this Group J clash.

Austria’s starting XI: Alexander Schlager; Kevin Danso, Stefan Posch, David Alaba (C); Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald, Marcel Sabitzer, Romano Schmid, Konrad Laimer, Paul Wanner; Michael Gregoritsch.

Argentina’s starting XI: Emiliano Martínez; Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández; Lionel Messi (C), Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martínez.

• Referee: Amin Mohamed (Egypt)
• Assistant Referee 1: Mahmoud Abouelregal (Egypt)
• Assistant Referee 2: Ahmed Hossam Taha (Egypt)
• Reserve assistant referee: Diego Sanchez Rojo (Spain)
• Fourth Official: Alejandro Hernández (Spain)
• VAR: Mamdouh Ashour (Egypt)
• Support video assistant referee: Tatiana Guzman (Nicaragua)

Schlager’s clearance drops straight to Lionel Messi, who tries to hit it first time, but he can’t connect cleanly and the chance slips away for Argentina.

The match between Argentina and Austria is scheduled to start at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium).
In the United States, the game will be broadcast live on FOX and Telemundo, with streaming available on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock Premium.

Welcome to our live blog! This time, Argentina face Austria at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas, in their second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A win would secure Argentina’s place in the Round of 32 and move the defending world champions one step closer to winning Group J. Stay with us for all the action and minute‑by‑minute updates from Dallas.