Argentina’s Lionel Messi scores his side’s second goal during the World Cup Group J match between Argentina and Austria in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, on June 22, 2026
| Photo Credit: AP
The takeover had begun long before kick-off. The previous evening, thousands had gathered at the Klyde Warren Park for the traditional Argentine Banderazo, a fan rally named after the Spanish word for flag, bandera. They draped downtown Dallas in blue and white and filled the Texas air with songs carried across generations. For one weekend, it looked like Buenos Aires had travelled north, settling briefly among the glass towers and endless freeways of Dallas.
Argentina vs Austria, FIFA World Cup highlights
Twenty-four hours later, Argentina repaid the devotion with a 2-0 victory over Austria, a result that secured its place in the knockouts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The songs had grown louder as the crowd poured into the AT&T Stadium, and five minutes into the game, the sense of inevitability appeared to be justified.
Argentina won a penalty after a lengthy VAR review determined that Lautaro Martinez was brought down inside the box. But to the disbelief of the Messi faithful congregated here, the Argentina captain dragged his effort wide, his first penalty miss for the country since the one against Poland at the 2022 World Cup.
The rare ignominy appeared to cast a brief shadow over the South Americans, and Austria, sensing an opportunity, tried to turn possession into pressure. Perhaps, for the first time in this edition, the world champion looked ill at ease, its rhythm disrupted and composure tested by an opponent unwilling to be overawed.
Messi, peripheral for much of this contest, almost conjured a moment of magic in the 19th minute. Twisting his way into the penalty area, he discovered just enough space for a shot, but Alexander Schlager was alert to the danger and smothered the effort.
The goal that finally soothed the Argentine nerves arrived in the 38th minute. Thiago Almada cleverly stepped over a diagonal pass from Facundo Medina, allowing it to run into Messi’s path. Arriving centrally, the captain opened his body and guided a precise finish beyond the goalkeeper. And, just like that, he was the holder of most number of goals in the showpiece, going past German Miroslav Klose.
A free-kick whipped in from the left by Marcel Sabitzer after the break provided Austria with its closest opportunity to claw back. But Emiliano Martinez, hardly troubled throughout the evening, reacted sharply to block its path.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with teammates and fans after his second goal against Austria
| Photo Credit:
Reuters
Argentina had chances to extend its lead, but the finishing remained uncharacteristically wasteful from Lionel Scaloni’s side. Yet as the game drifted into stoppage time, La Albiceleste found the reward its persistence deserved. As Austria failed to clear its lines inside a crowded penalty box, it was Messi, as so often, who reacted quickest, hammering home from close range.
Published – June 23, 2026 01:05 am IST
