FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Today Preview: Argentina Have Knockout Stage In Sight

Published 22 June 2026 · sports

FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Today Preview: Argentina Have Knockout Stage In Sight Published By, Last Updated: June 22, 2026, 15:20 IST Lionel Messi is

FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Today Preview: Argentina Have Knockout Stage In Sight Published By, Last Updated: June 22, 2026, 15:20 IST Lionel Messi is chasing more records after a hat trick vs Algeria with Argentina eyeing second win. Lionel Messi (left) will be the center of attention, again. (AP Photo) Argentina have the chance to move within touching distance of the knockout rounds when they take on Austria in Group J at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday, with both teams entering the contest after impressive opening-day victories. The defending champions began their campaign in emphatic fashion as Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria. The treble saw the Argentine captain draw level with Germany great Miroslav Klose as the highest scorer in World Cup history. Austria also made a winning start, defeating Jordan 3-1 to ensure Monday’s clash features the group’s two early pacesetters. A second consecutive victory would leave Argentina on the verge of sealing a place in the Round of 32.

They could also finish the day atop the standings if Jordan fail to overcome Algeria in the other Group J fixture. Austria, meanwhile, know a win would significantly strengthen their own qualification hopes. Ralf Rangnick’s side impressed in their tournament opener and could take control of the group should they beat Argentina and Algeria fail to defeat Jordan. As was the case in Argentina’s first match, much of the spotlight will be on Messi. At 38, the forward showed no signs of slowing down against Algeria, underlining why Argentina remain among the favourites to lift the trophy again. Austria captain David Alaba admitted he had taken notice of Messi’s display. “We definitely watched their game before we left," the defender said after their opening win. “It’s incredible that Messi started such a tournament with a hat trick. Absolutely insane… Let’s hope he doesn’t (do it) next week." However, Alaba adda Argentina’s strengths go far beyond their iconic No. 10.

“We know what kind of opponent we’re up against, what kind of quality they have in their ranks, even besides Messi, but also what they’re capable of as a team," he said. Austria will look to use their disciplined pressing approach to unsettle Argentina and bolster their credentials as contenders to top the group. Argentina assistant coach Pablo Aimar expects a sterner examination than the one posed by Algeria, highlighting Austria’s physicality and collective strength under Rangnick. “Austria is a very tough team, as we’re seeing with the vast majority of the teams participating in this World Cup," he said in a FIFA interview. The lead-up to the match has also featured off-field discussion after Algeria lodged a complaint with FIFA’s refereeing commission regarding several decisions during their defeat to Argentina. Among the incidents cited was a challenge involving Messi and Algeria captain Aissa Mandi, with the Argentine later going on to complete his hat-trick.