Defending champions Argentina secured their spot in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup today, defeating Austria 2-0 thanks to two goals from the legendary Lionel Messi. (Note: The original Portuguese headline mentioned 2016, but the match is part of the ongoing 2026 tournament).
During the Group J second-round encounter in Arlington, the Argentine captain decided the match with goals in the 38th and 90+5th minutes. Despite missing a penalty early in the game in the 9th minute, Messi’s performance allowed him to stand alone as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals.
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With this victory, Lionel Scaloni’s side reaches six points in the standings. Austria remains on three points, while Jordan and Algeria—who face each other later today in Santa Clara—currently have zero points.
