Argentina Defeats Austria 2-0, Secures Spot in Round of 32

by JEONG SE HEE Posted : June 23, 2026, 07:04Updated : June 23, 2026, 07:04
Photo by Reuters and Yonhap
[Photo by Reuters and Yonhap]
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in their second match of Group J at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held at the Dallas Stadium in Texas. With this victory, Argentina secured its place in the Round of 32.
According to Yonhap News, Lionel Messi showcased his skills in this match, marking his 200th appearance for the national team. In the first group match against Algeria, Messi scored a hat trick, bringing his World Cup total to 13 goals, tying him with Miroslav Klose of Germany, who holds the record with 16 goals.
On this occasion, Messi scored his 17th and 18th goals, making him the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
Argentina earned a penalty kick in the 9th minute when Lautaro Martinez was fouled. However, Messi's attempt went wide of the right post, missing an early opportunity to score.
In the 38th minute, Thiago Almada assisted Facundo Medina, who set up Messi for a quick, unstoppable shot that found the bottom right corner of the net.
Messi's scoring did not stop there. In stoppage time, he added his second goal of the match, sealing the victory with his 18th World Cup goal.
Argentina is scheduled to face Jordan on the 28th at 11 a.m. local time at the Dallas Stadium.



* This article has been translated by AI.