Messi’s Argentina face tough Austria test

KATHMANDU: Argentina continue their title defense campaign as they take on Austria in a high-stakes Group J encounter on Monday in Dallas, with kickoff set for 10:45 PM (Nepali time).

The match is seen as a decisive step toward the knockout stage, with both sides level on three points after their opening victories.

Captain Lionel Messi remains the focal point after a sensational performance in the opening game, where the 38-year-old forward scored a hat-trick against Algeria to inspire a dominant win.

The treble also took Messi’s World Cup tally to 16 goals, drawing him level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.

The Argentine star also marked his 200th international appearance in that match, although controversy followed after Algeria lodged a formal complaint, alleging Messi should have been shown a red card for an incident involving their captain Aissa Mandi.

Despite the attention on Messi, Austria captain David Alaba has insisted Argentina are far from a one-man team, warning that their depth and attacking variety make them a serious threat.

“We know the quality we are facing. Apart from Messi, they have many top-class players and as a team they are extremely dangerous,” Alaba said.

Austria, coached by Ralf Rangnick, enter the match confident after a 3–1 win over Jordan, sealed by a late penalty from veteran striker Marko Arnautovic. The forward is now expected to push for a starting role.

Argentina assistant coach Pablo Aimar has also cautioned against underestimating Austria, describing them as physically strong and capable of disrupting possession-based teams with intense pressing.

Both sides sit on three points, with Argentina leading the group on goal difference ahead of Austria. Jordan and Algeria remain without points.

Under the tournament’s expanded format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed sides, will advance to the Round of 32—making this fixture a potentially decisive moment in the group.

Argentina enter the match in strong form, having won their last five games, while Austria have won four of their previous five, drawing one.

The two nations have never met in an official competitive fixture. In previous friendlies, Argentina won 5–1 in 1980, while the 1990 encounter ended in a 1–1 draw.

Argentina may be forced into a defensive adjustment, with right-back Gonzalo Montiel doubtful due to a hamstring issue, potentially opening the door for Nahuel Molina. Austria also face a setback, with Stefan Posch unlikely to feature due to a jaw injury.