Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in the second round of the FIFA World Cup group stage. The match’s standout performer was Lionel Messi, who scored twice and increased his tally to 18 goals at World Cup tournaments.
Messi opens the scoring and sets a record
Argentina started the match aggressively and earned a penalty early on. However, Messi failed to convert the spot kick in the 10th minute.
Despite the miss, Lionel Scaloni’s side continued to dominate. In the 38th minute, Medina delivered a low cross into the penalty area, Almada let the ball run through, and Messi finished first-time into the bottom corner. Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager was unable to make the save.
After the break, Austria enjoyed more possession. Ralf Rangnick‘s team attempted to equalize through set pieces and crosses, but Argentina’s defense remained solid, while Emiliano Martínez made several confident saves.
Captain’s brace seals the win
Austria pushed forward in the closing stages. In the third minute of stoppage time, Patrick Wimmer missed the visitors’ best opportunity, heading wide of the goal.
Two minutes later, Argentina launched a quick counterattack. Messi found himself in the right place at the right time and sent the ball into the net. His goal in the 90+5th minute put the result beyond doubt.
With six points from two matches, Argentina moved closer to securing a place in the knockout stage.
Key moments
- Argentina defeated Austria 2-0;
- Messi missed a penalty in the 10th minute;
- The captain opened the scoring in the 38th minute;
- The goal was Messi’s 18th at World Cup tournaments;
- Wimmer missed a late chance to equalize;
- Messi completed his brace in the 90+5th minute;
- Argentina secured their second consecutive victory of the tournament.
