Argentina are on an eight-match winning run
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's World Cup opener
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Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to victory in their World Cup opener against Algeria and he could provide more magic when the defending champions take on Austria in their second Group J match at Dallas Stadium on Monday.
Messi, who turns 39 two days after this contest, showed he has lost none of his lustre as he scored all three goals in the win over Algeria, his first World Cup hat-trick which also saw him draw level with Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time record scorer.
Austria also made a winning start on their first World Cup finals appearance in 28 years, claiming a 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Jordan, and they will be hoping to ruffle some feathers in Arlington.
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Team news
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is unlikely to make many changes from the team that lined up against Algeria, with Facundo Medina expected to keep his place at left back with Nicolas Tagliafico's fitness remaining a concern.
Further forward, Scaloni plumped for Lautaro Martinez to lead the line alongside Messi in their opener, but Julian Alvarez, who came off the bench in that game, will hope to force his way into the XI.
As for Austria, Marko Arnautovic scored and had another effort ruled out by VAR after coming off the bench against Jordan and the veteran forward may have done enough to earn a starting berth.
Captain David Alaba's minutes are being managed after an injury-hit season with Real Madrid, so he may be left out, while Florian Grillitsch and Patrick Wimmer are also dealing with minor muscular issues.
The stats
Argentina are on an eight-match winning run and have only lost one of their last 15 games.
Lionel Messi scored his first hat-trick at the World Cup on his 200th Argentina appearance against Algeria.
Messi is now level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the World Cup's all-time record scorer on 16 goals.
Austria have only lost one of their last 12 matches, winning 10 of those games.
Das Team are bidding to make it beyond the first group stage at a World Cup for the first time since 1982.
This will be just the fourth meeting between Argentina and Austria and the first for 36 years.
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Prediction
The 3-0 final scoreline against Algeria perhaps flattered Argentina slightly, with the North Africans shading the possession and frustrating the defending champions for large spells, but as he so often has over the years, Messi proved to be the difference maker.
Austria may provide an even sterner test for La Albiceleste, with the European side thriving under Ralf Rangnick, but containing Messi may be beyond them.
The Inter Miami star has scored 12 goals in 14 MLS appearances so far in 2026 and has hit the back of the net eight times across his last seven internationals, further underlining that he is showing no signs of slowing down.
If Argentina can win this game and the result in the other Group J match between Jordan and Algeria goes in their favour, they would guarantee top spot, further incentivising Messi to deliver, as he could then be rested for their final group fixture.
Score prediction: Argentina 2-1 Austria
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