After Algeria Hat-Trick, Messi Gears Up for Austria Showdown at FIFA World Cup 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026 : Argentina captain Lionel Messi posted images from the team’s training session before their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group-stage match against Austria on Monday, June 22 (10:30 p.m. IST).
On Instagram, Messi shared several pictures featuring himself and his Argentina teammates as they prepared for their second tournament game.
Messi opened the scoring with a powerful long-range shot, then added a second goal with a poacher’s finish after a rebound. He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a calm curling strike to secure the victory.
By achieving the hat-trick, Messi surpassed legends such as Gerd Muller and Brazil’s Ronaldo on the all-time World Cup scoring list. Prior to kick-off, he had already set a record as the first player to appear in six World Cups.
Argentina is scheduled to face Austria in Dallas on Monday, June 22 (10:30 p.m. IST).The Albiceleste are on an eight-match winning run while Ralf Rangnick’s Austria is on a six-match unbeaten run, making this Group J clash quite an even affair.
Argentina is drawn alongside Jordan, Algeria, and Austria in the group stage, and the match against Rangnick’s team will be the sternest challenge for the World Cup holder in the first round.
Moreover, Messi’s recent form in Argentina colours makes it all the more necessary for coach Lionel Scaloni to start him as this match can prove pivotal for the team’s progress into the knockouts.
On Instagram, Messi shared several pictures featuring himself and his Argentina teammates as they prepared for their second tournament game.
Messi Opens With a Bang
This follows Messi’s remarkable performance in Argentina’s opening match, where he led the defending champions to a 3-0 win over Algeria by scoring a hat-trick.Messi opened the scoring with a powerful long-range shot, then added a second goal with a poacher’s finish after a rebound. He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a calm curling strike to secure the victory.
By achieving the hat-trick, Messi surpassed legends such as Gerd Muller and Brazil’s Ronaldo on the all-time World Cup scoring list. Prior to kick-off, he had already set a record as the first player to appear in six World Cups.
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Argentina is scheduled to face Austria in Dallas on Monday, June 22 (10:30 p.m. IST).The Albiceleste are on an eight-match winning run while Ralf Rangnick’s Austria is on a six-match unbeaten run, making this Group J clash quite an even affair.
Will Messi start in Argentina vs Austria at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Yes, Messi is likely to start for Argentina against Austria. The 38-year-old underwent full training on matchday minus one, according to local reports from the United States of America (USA).Argentina is drawn alongside Jordan, Algeria, and Austria in the group stage, and the match against Rangnick’s team will be the sternest challenge for the World Cup holder in the first round.
Moreover, Messi’s recent form in Argentina colours makes it all the more necessary for coach Lionel Scaloni to start him as this match can prove pivotal for the team’s progress into the knockouts.
Argentina’s predicted XI:
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Thiago Almada.Austria predicted lineup
Alexander Schlager; Laimer, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Schmid, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer; Kalajdzic.
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