Argentina 2–0 Austria
Messi settled this Group J contest with a goal in the 38th minute and then wrapped up the three points deep into stoppage time, striking again in the 90+5th minute to give Argentina a commanding 2–0 victory over Austria at the World Cup 2026 hub.
The opening goal came just before the interval when Messi found the net to give Argentina the lead they carried into the break. Austria were unable to find a way back into the match, and any lingering hope was extinguished when Messi struck for the second time in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal a convincing win.
Group J Implications
The result leaves Argentina in a strong position at the summit of Group J. With six points from two matches, they sit clear of Austria, who are second on three points also from two games. Jordan and Algeria are both yet to open their accounts, each having played one match.
For the live World Cup 2026 standings and the latest from across all groups, Argentina’s maximum return from their opening two fixtures puts them in control of their destiny heading into the final round of group games.
Austria, by contrast, will need a positive result in their remaining match to secure progress, with Argentina already looking well placed to advance from Group J.