Argentina vs Austria 2-0: World Cup 2026 – as it happened

That’s it for our live coverage of Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria in Dallas.

Lionel Messi stole the show again as the South Americans booked their place in the knockout stages.

Stay with Al Jazeera Sport for more live action from the World Cup, but for now from me, Adam Hancock and my colleague Patrick Keddie, goodbye!

Messi has been speaking to Telemundo after the match. Here’s a sample of what he said:

“I am enjoying this moment and seeing how far we can go together. Today I had the penalty, but maybe I wouldn’t have scored the others [if that had gone in].

“To be honest, I’m really happy about the win, especially as it’s such a crucial victory, hard-fought and well-earned, but one that gives us peace of mind for what lies ahead. This is the World Cup; it was a very evenly matched, very intense match, and we’re happy to have picked up six points and to have already qualified.”

On his favourite World Cup goal: “I don’t know, to be honest, I can’t remember right now; I’m tired, I’m running low on energy, and I’m finding it hard to think, so anyway, I’m just going to enjoy this moment, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with my team-mates.”

Another heavily-fancied side is in action in just over an hour as France take on Iraq in Philadelphia.

The weather forecast is not good with storms predicted during the game and the Philadelphia Stadium lacking a roof.

The live match blog could soon resemble a cricket blog during a rain delay, but for now be sure to join my colleagues here for the build-up and live text commentary of the game.

Lionel Messi takes the honours as your @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match. 👏

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/Bv5jp7jNR6

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 22, 2026

• Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 18 goals
• Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16
• Ronaldo (Brazil) – 15
• Gerd Muller (Germany) – 14
• Kylian Mbappe (France) – 14

You can relive another spell of Messi magic in our match report here.

Argentina are two from two at this tournament and have secured qualification for the knockout stages.

Austria are still in with a strong chance of making the round of 32. Jordan play Algeria later on Monday.

6 – Lionel Messi is the third player to score in six successive appearances at the FIFA World Cup after Just Fontaine in 1958 and Jairzinho in 1970.

Super. pic.twitter.com/DambEr9Lxi

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 22, 2026

The defending champions have wrapped up qualification with a game to spare.

They’ve scored five goals in this tournament with Messi bagging all of them.

The South American giants are also yet to concede a goal. They weren’t brilliant today, but they certainly know how to find a way through these games.

Argentina are moving on ⏭️#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 22, 2026

Messi made amends for an earlier penalty miss by scoring his seventeenth World Cup goal on 38 minutes.

Messi had equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time mark of 16 World Cup goals by hitting a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Algeria to open the South American nation’s title defence in North America last week.

Today, he made history.

Read more about his record-breaking goal here.

All eyes on Messi as the Argentine magician leaves the field.

He’s 39 in two days. Incredible.

Jurgen Klopp is in the stadium for some television work and he gives Messi a big hug on the touchline.

Two goals, a missed penalty and a new record.

Just another day in the life of Lionel Messi. He stands with his teammates in a line as they salute the Argentina fans.

Argentina are through to the round of 32 and Messi has his 17th and 18th World Cup goals.

There are no words left to describe him.

Messi nearly has a third! He skims a free kick past the post from long range.

And that is that. Messi magic wins it for Argentina again.

Full time: Argentina 2-0 Austria

Argentina break at pace with Alvarez released down the left.

His effort is saved by Schlager but the ball falls to Messi who has a number of Austrian players blocking the goal.

His first effort deflects off Seiwald but his second shot goes past Danso on the line.

He has scored five goals in the tournament now.

90+7 mins: Argentina 2-0 Austria

He is relentless!

90+5 mins: Argentina 2-0 Austria

Danso wins the ball in the box and Wimmer goes for the second ball.

He makes the header but glances the ball wide. Was that the chance for Austria?

90+4 mins: Argentina 1-0 Austria

Messi delivers the free kick towards the back post but Austria defend it well.

The European side have three minutes left to get something from this game.

90+3 mins: Argentina 1-0 Austria

Wimmer catches Gonzalez and its an obvious free kick for Argentina on the left edge of the box.

90+1 mins: Argentina 1-0 Austria

There’s a collector’s item as Messi gives the ball away to Arnautovic.

Play is then paused as Otamendi fouls. It’s been a bit like this in the second half.

89 mins: Argentina 1-0 Austria