Yesterday’s Results for Austria vs Argentina

VW'S WORLD CUP GROUP GAME OF THE YEAR

Analysis: Hard to argue with what we saw from Lionel Messi, who opened the 2026 World Cup with the tournament's first hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria. Messi has now scored 120 international goals in his career, including 39 in the World Cup. Now he'll lead Argentina to passage to the knockout stage in its second game. Argentina will beat Austria with ease in its second group-stage match, guaranteeing his country a shot at defending its 2022 World Cup title. Since his team was dominant in its win over Algeria, Lionel Scaloni made just one change for his team to face Austria. Yes, Austria awas impressive in its opening match against Jordan, winning 3–1 thanks to goals from Romano Schmidt, an own goal from Yazan Al-Arab and a late Marko Arnautović penalty, and I know Austria has allowed only six goals in 12 matches since last June. But I don't know if that stout defense can slow down Messi and Argentina in this crucial Group match. I expect Argentina to wrap up the group today, overcoming an early threat from Algeria. There is such synergy with the Scaloni-coached South Americans and brilliance of Messi, that I can't help but wonder if we're getting another shutout. Argentina's quality of play will get them past Austria.