Lionel Messi made more World Cup history on Monday, as he scored twice for Argentina against Austria – breaking and then extending the all-time World Cup scoring record.
Messi had entered the game level with Miroslav Klose on 16 goals, and he struck once in each half here to build on his hat-trick in an opening 3-0 win over Algeria.
The 38-year-old’s goals against Austria actually came after he missed an early penalty, and they ensured a 2-0 win, putting the defending champions firmly at the top of the Group J table.
Meanwhile, Austria suffered a setback after their initial 3-1 victory over Jordan, but Ralf Rangnick’s men are still well poised to reach the knockout stage.
Follow all of the latest from the World Cup clash with our live blog below:
Argentina vs Austria LIVE
- Lionel Messi breaks all-time World Cup scoring record as Argentina beat Austria
- Messi leaves Miroslav Klose behind to top the charts with 18 goals
- 90+5' GOAL! Messi finishes off breakaway move to seal win on historic night [ARG 2-0 AUS]
- 38' GOAL! Messi snatches scoring record with wonderful finish [ARG 1-0 AUS]
- 8' PENALTY MISS! Messi clips his spot kick wide after Martinez goes down in Austria box [ARG 0-0 AUS]
- Jack Rathborn: Lionel Messi’s historic World Cup moment sheds light on a vital quality
Lionel Messi’s historic World Cup moment sheds light on a vital quality
20:45 , Jack Rathborn at Dallas Stadium
The Texan sunlight beamed through the glass windows of the Dallas Stadium to bring a divine backdrop to Lionel Messi’s latest two-goal masterpiece.
A glorious 17th World Cup goal, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s World Cup record became his latest act to bolster immortal status back home in Argentina and across the world.
After a first hat-trick on this stage to swat Algeria aside, a typically delightful finish with his left instep sent the world champions on their way to a 2-0 victory over the terrier-like Austria. And a second, his 18th in the tournament’s history, came through brute force in stoppage time to extend this relentless start from the world champions, who top Group J and have a place in the last 32 sewn up.
Lionel Messi’s historic World Cup moment sheds light on a vital quality
When is Jordon vs Algeria?
03:00 , Will Castle
Group J’s next match is an hour away from getting underway as debutants Jordan take on Algeria.
Both suffered defeat in their opening game, with Lionel Messi’s hat-trick downing Algeria while Jordan fell to a 3-1 loss to Austria.
A loss for either tonight will eliminate them from the World Cup.
That game kicks off at 4am at Levi’s Stadium in the San Jose.
Who could Argentina face in the round of 32?
02:00 , Will Castle
Argentina have sealed their place in the knockouts and will be confirmed as Group J winners if Jordan fail to beat Algeria tonight.
If they do win the group as is expected, they will face the runners-up of Group H. That means they could end up facing debutants Cape Verde after their draw to Uruguay last night, which would be the latest fairytale moment for the tiny African island nation.
Uruguay, meanwhile, would need a draw against leaders Spain in their hope of finishing as runners-up, while Saudi Arabia could still finish second if they beat Cape Verde on the final group matchday.
If Jordan do end up stunning the world by pipping Argentina to top spot - which would require them to beat Algeria and then beat the holders - then Argentina will face the Group H winners which is likely to be Spain.
World Cup injury tracker: Neymar, Lamine Yamal and Christian Pulisic latest updates
01:20 , Will Castle
Argentina centre-back Cristian Romero was forced off during Argentina’s win over Austria after picking up a knee problem, giving cause for concern regarding his future involvement this World Cup.
The Spurs man saw his foot stamped on by Marcel Sabitzer but began holding his knee, which was not subject to any contact.
See below for a full list of key injuries at this year’s World Cup:
World Cup injury tracker: Neymar, Lamine Yamal and Christian Pulisic latest updates
WATCH: What Lionel Messi means to Argentina fans as the footballing icon makes World Cup history
01:00 , Will Castle
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick rages at Lionel Messi goal and double standards in Argentina defeat
00:40 , Will Castle
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick was furious at what he claimed to be double standards for Lionel Messi’s first goal in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Argentina.
"If someone is 39 years old and can score two goals and five overall at the beginning of the World Cup, that makes a difference," Rangnick said of Messi, who also missed an early penalty after a VAR review by referee Amin Omar.
"We knew he was on a level of his own and Lionel Messi showed `he's one of the best, or even the best. "But I think we participated in the second goal, that's our own fault.
"For the first goal, I would've asked the fourth official to do what he did before the penalty kick, he should have looked and he would've seen what everyone saw, a foul on (Xaver) Schlager.
"It was annoying. However, I'm overall satisfied with my team and I agree with how they played today."
Austria coach rages at Lionel Messi goal and double standards in Argentina defeat
Alvarez says he wants to leave Atletico after Argentina win
00:20 , Will Castle
Argentina forward Julian Alvarez said he wants to leave Atletico Madrid to "fulfil his dream" following reported interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
"I spoke with people at the club (Atletico), with those I had to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream," Alvarez said after Argentina's World Cup win over Austria.
"It's not the time to talk about this, but I also can't hide it. I try to be an honest person."
Messi's pre-match encouragement
00:00 , Will Castle
It clearly worked!
Wholesome support in the tunnel for Lionel Messi! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JhvKEXYUD7
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 22, 2026
When do Argentina play next?
23:40 , Will Castle
Argentina will round out their group campaign against Jordan in the early hours of Sunday 28 June, with that match kicking off at 3am BST.
Messi's record-sealing double
23:20 , Will Castle
HE'S DONE IT!! ⭐🇦🇷
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 22, 2026
Lionel Messi gets his goal and becomes the outright all-time top scorer in the men's World Cup! pic.twitter.com/kDZyUkn7MJ
Lionel Messi makes it FIVE goals from his first two matches of this World Cup 🤯 pic.twitter.com/pweCm36gZf
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 22, 2026
Another Messi record
23:00 , Will Castle
He’s a record-holic!
Yet another record! 🔁🥇
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 22, 2026
Lionel Messi now has more World Cup wins than any other player 🇦🇷👑 pic.twitter.com/t9g8L1Na6R
More reaction to Messi's moment of history
22:40 , Will Castle
“Memorable moment, breaking the record,” said Cesar Azpilicueta on the BBC.
“For Lionel Messi, scoring two goals after coming from a hat-trick, I think is a pretty impressive start at the World Cup.”
The hottest take of the World Cup so far?
22:20 , Will Castle
Former Everton defender Ashley Williams might’ve delivered the hottest take of the World Cup so far: Lionel Messi is in the ‘GOAT’ conversation.
“Are we looking at the greatest player ever? It's possible,” he said on the BBC. “It's definitely worth the debate.
“We might have just witnessed the greatest player that football has ever seen.”
Going out on a limb there, Ash!
France vs Iraq LIVE
21:57 , Will Castle
Might be time to adjust those sets, folks!
On a big night of World Cup action, contenders France are about to take on Iraq as Kylian Mbappe looks to match or better the pace of Lionel Messi in the race for the golden boot.
Click below for our live coverage of that match - or stick around for more reaction from Argentina’s win over Austria.
France vs Iraq LIVE: Team news and latest updates from World Cup clash
Alvarez hails Messi: '20 years being the best in the world'
21:54 , Will Castle
Striker Julian Alvarez said Lionel Messi's longevity only made his latest surge more remarkable.
"Twenty years being the best in the world, the best in history, and he still continues to show, at his age, that he has the talent and all his magic," Alvarez said.
Rangnick reacts to defeat
21:50 , Will Castle
"We were brave and courageous against the ball and with the ball," said Austria boss Ralf Rangnick, whose side have three points after beating Jordan 3-1 in their opener.
"We were in possession more than others expected but unfortunately we weren't able to nullify every counter attack and in the second half we did a much better job except for the last five minutes."
World Cup 2026 golden boot standings
21:45 , Will Castle
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 5 goals
2. Deniz Undav (Germany), 3 goals (2 assists)
3. Jonathan David (Canada), 3 goals
= 4. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 2 goals (1 assist)
= 4. Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), 2 goals (1 assist)
= 4. Crysencio Summerville (Netherlands), 2 goals (1 assist)
= 4. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), 2 goals (1 assist)
= 4. Maximiliano Araujo (Uruguay), 2 goals (1 assist)
= 4. Ayase Ueda (Japan), 2 goals (1 assist)
= 9. Harry Kane (England), 2 goals
= 9. Matheus Cunha (Brazil), 2 goals
= 9. Erling Haaland (Norway), 2 goals
= 9. Yasin Ayari (Sweden), 2 goals
= 9. Elijah Just (New Zealand), 2 goals
= 9. Kai Havertz (Germany), 2 goals
= 9. Kylian Mbappe (France), 2 goals
= 9. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland), 2 goals
= 9. Cyle Larin (Canada), 2 goals
= 9. Ismael Saibari (Morocco), 2 goals
= 9. Folarin Balogun (USA), 2 goals
= 9. Brian Brobbey (Netherlands), 2 goals
= 9. Daichi Kamada (Japan), 2 goals
More from Messi
21:40 , Will Castle
“I’m very tired,” Lionel Messi said.
"I'm very happy with the win. It was a hugely important victory, a tough one, and one we worked hard for. It gives us calm for what's coming."
“The truth is that the way it turned out today was spectacular. I had the penalty that could have increased the lead, but I'm happy with the result and with the team's work."
Messi's post-match thoughts
21:35 , Will Castle
"We've already given people several joys, but we'll try to give them more," said Lionel Messi.
"The important thing is the qualification, winning all the matches is always in our plans.
"This whole group lives this with a lot of happiness. When we get together, we enjoy being together, competing, training, the day-to-day, and seeing the people like this."
Argentina into the knockouts
21:30 , Will Castle
Argentina join the USA, Mexico and Germany as the fourth team to seal their place in the World Cup knockouts.
They look set to finish Group J as leaders - something that will be confirmed if Jordan fail to beat Algeria tonight - which means they will face the runners-up of Group H.
After their draw with Uruguay last night, debutants Cape Verde could very well be in the mix to face the holders. That would be surreal for the tiny African island nation.
🇦🇷 Argentina have qualified for the Round of 32!#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 22, 2026
How all-time World Cup goalscoring charts look after Messi double
21:15 , Will Castle
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 18 goals in 28 matches
2. Miroslav Klose (Germany) - 16 goals in 24 matches
3. Ronaldo (Brazil) - 15 goals in 19 matches
= 4. Gerd Muller (Germany) - 14 goals in 13 matches
= 4. Kylian Mbappe (France) - 14 goals in 15 matches
6. Just Fontaine (France) - 13 goals in six matches
7. Pele (Brazil) - 12 goals in 14 matches
= 8. Sandor Kocsis (Hungary) - 11 goals in five matches
= 8. Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) - 11 goals in 17 matches
Like a fine wine
21:00 , Will Castle
“Lionel Messi is getting better and better with age,” said Olivier Giroud on the BBC.
“Five goals for Argentina in two games, the only scorer.
“He is always in the right place at the right time.
“He is in the middle to create and dictate the game.”
Argentina fans refusing to leave
20:34 , Jack Rathborn at Dallas Stadium
The Argentina fans refuse to leave. About 5,000 tucked behind the goal of Messi's second. And they are raucous.
Their delight shows how this team is on a path to a historic and, for Argentina, unprecedented back-to-back titles.
Other fans are gazing down at the colourful scenes long after the full-time whistle here in Dallas.
Messi No 5
20:30 , Will Castle
Argentina are into the knockouts. They’ve won two from two, scoring five goals and conceding none.
Who’s scored all five? A 38-year-old Lionel Messi, of course.
Age is truly just a number for the magician, whose brace today takes him to 12 World Cup goals since turning 35.
And with debutants Jordan up next, that outright record of 18 could be about to grow even more.
“A little bit of Lionel in my life...”
The first time was so nice...
20:15 , Will Castle
Argentina and Messi in dreamland
20:09 , Jack Rathborn at Dallas Stadium
Messi decided to do it on his own after Alvarez failed to capitalise on his majestic pass.
Paredes had the intelligence to square to Messi, whose first effort was blocked, but then a second, bludgeoned towards goal, clinched it.
Argentina in dreamland, two wins from two games, five goals scored and zero conceded. It's now 18 World Cup goals for Messi and counting.
FULL-TIME! Argentina 2-0 Austria
20:07 , Will Castle
Lionel Messi made more World Cup history on Monday, as he scored twice for Argentina against Austria – breaking and then extending the all-time World Cup scoring record.
Messi had entered the game level with Miroslav Klose on 16 goals, and he struck once in each half here to build on his hat-trick in an opening 3-0 win over Algeria.
The 38-year-old’s goals against Austria actually came after he missed an early penalty, and they ensured a 2-0 win, putting the defending champions firmly at the top of the Group J table.
Meanwhile, Austria suffered a setback after their initial 3-1 victory over Jordan, but Ralf Rangnick’s men are still well poised to reach the knockout stage.
FULL-TIME! Argentina 2-0 Austria
20:03 , Will Castle
It wasn’t a bad effort... but it flashes just wide. And that’s all she wrote!
History for Lionel Messi. Knockouts for Argentina.
Argentina 2-0 Austria
20:02 , Will Castle
90+8 mins: Argentina have a free-kick from 35 yards out to finish this one off.
Messi stands over it... surely not back-to-back hat-tricks?!
GOAL! Argentina 2-0 Austria (Messi, 90+5')
20:00 , Will Castle
YOU CANNOT KEEP THIS MAN OUT!
It’s a great breakaway that sees Lionel Messi threaded down the right - he brilliantly finds Julian Alvarez who should score, only to be denied by the Austria keeper, but Messi keeps the chance alive.
He darts past one before having his first shot blocked on the line, but he follows up again and fires home!
That takes his tally to 18 - two clear of Miroslav Klose. The Messi history show continues!
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:59 , Will Castle
90+3 mins: CHANCE! That was the moment for Austria!
A free-kick is lofted towards the back post for Danso, who heads it across for Wimmer to meet - but his effort goes just wide!
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:57 , Will Castle
90+2 mins: No, they can’t, as Messi’s free-kick sails over everyone and Austria clear.
In the other half, Paredes catches his man late and ends up in the book.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:56 , Will Castle
90+1 mins: Five minutes added on. Still only the slender lead for the holders, but they’ve managed the game pretty well to this point.
Argentina have a free-kick on the left side of the box. Messi stands over it; can they finish it off?
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:55 , Will Castle
89 mins: Today will be all about Lionel Messi presuming the scoreline stays like this, but that was a rare poor moment from the Argentina talisman as he sloppily gives the ball away, allowing Austria to break.
They win a free-kick in the Argentina half but nothing comes from it, with Austria’s players showing very little inspiration or urgency before a cross sails nicely into the hands of Martinez.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:52 , Will Castle
87 mins: CHANCE! That could’ve sealed it!
Gonzalez is sent in behind by Martinez, who cuts inside to beat his man but is thwarted by Danso, putting in a brilliant tackle to block his eventual effort.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:51 , Will Castle
85 mins: Austria have five minutes to find an equaliser but they aren’t really giving Argentina that much to think about at the moment.
One last roll of the dice from Rangnick sees Gregorisch make way fir Carney Chukwuemeka, the former Chelsea man who switched allegiances from England.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:47 , Will Castle
81 mins: That was a chance for Austria!
They have a man over as Gregoritsch receives the ball outside the box, but Medina comes across and hoofs it out for a corner.
That’ll be Medina’s last action as Tagliafico replaces the booked Argentinian. Paredes also comes on for De Paul.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:45 , Will Castle
79 mins: Wimmer immediately into the action as he slips a ball into the box for Laimer to chase.
The Bayern man just keeps it in at the byline to put it across goal, but Martinez comes to smother before Arnautovic can get there.
Martinez is holding his head after a very slight touch but is fine now.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:43 , Will Castle
78 mins: Here comes another change for Austria. Wimmer comes on for Schmid.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:41 , Will Castle
76 mins: Laimer and Medina enter the book for a little skirmish that follows a foul against an Austrian.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:39 , Will Castle
74 mins: CLOSE! So nearly a second for the holders!
Gonzalez peels into space and meets a delightful corner with his his head, but his effort flashes across the face of goal and goes just wide.
That was Argentina’s first effort of goal since Messi’s opener before the break.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:37 , Will Castle
73 mins: We’re back underway, and Argentina have their first corner of the game...
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:36 , Will Castle
69 mins: We’re in hydration break territory again.
Let’s watch Lionel Messi’s record-breaking goal, shall we. It’s all that separates the teams heading into the last 20 minutes.
HE'S DONE IT!! ⭐🇦🇷
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) June 22, 2026
Lionel Messi gets his goal and becomes the outright all-time top scorer in the men's World Cup! pic.twitter.com/kDZyUkn7MJ
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:34 , Will Castle
68 mins: Austria’s best chance so far is followed by a big roll of the dice from Ralf Rangnick.
Alaba, Posch and Wanner make way as Friedl, Prass and record goalscorer Arnautovic enter the fray.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:33 , Will Castle
67 mins: Austria’s best moment of the match comes and goes as it’s dinked towards the head of Gregoritsch on the edge of the six-yard box, but his Argentine marker does enough to put him off as the effort loops over the bar.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:31 , Will Castle
65 mins: Argentina want a corner after Messi’s scuffed shot was nevertheless tipped around the far post, but the referee didn’t spot the touch.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:30 , Will Castle
64 mins: Two more changes from Argentina.
Lautaro Martinez is off for Nico Gonzalez, while Thiago Almada replaces Julian Alvarez whose introduction gets a huge cheer.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:27 , Will Castle
62 mins: Lovely move by Argentina sees it worked to Fernandez to let fly, but Danso gets his body in the way to block.
That took the wind out of the Austrian defender.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:25 , Will Castle
61 mins: Austria are enjoying a decent spell of possession but they’re doing absolutely nothing with it.
Argentina are proving tricky to break down.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:23 , Will Castle
57 mins: Romero’s time is up. He’s brought off, perhaps as a precaution, with Otamendi coming on in his place.
The camera pans to Shakira as he makes his way off to a big reaction inside the stadium.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:20 , Will Castle
56 mins: SAVE! Sabitzer forces a save out of Martinez with the free-kick - he was due a good one.
It’s one you expect Martinez to make, but he makes it nonetheless.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:19 , Will Castle
55 mins: Free-kick opportunity for Austria as Romero goes flying in, conceding a foul on the edge of his own area.
Romero is still having trouble with that knee.
Sabitzer stands over it...
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:15 , Will Castle
50 mins: CHANCE! Messi is played clean through on goal but Seiwald does brilliantly to recover and put in a sliding challenge, just as he goes to round the keeper.
Turns out he was a few yards offside but the Austrian wasn’t to know that.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:14 , Will Castle
48 mins: Austria leaving their mark on the Argentine’s early into the second half.
First it’s Schlager who swipes Messi’s leg before Sabitzer stands on Romero’s foot.
The Spurs defender is down and hurt but the big concern is that he is holding his knee, not his foot.
For now, he looks like he’ll be able to continue.
BACK UNDERWAY! Argentina 1-0 Austria
19:10 , Will Castle
Off we go again! Austria get us back underway.
No changes from either manager.
The players are back out
19:09 , Will Castle
Just about to get restarted in Dallas...
How all-time World Cup goalscoring charts look after Messi strike
19:09 , Will Castle
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 17 goals in 28 matches
2. Miroslav Klose (Germany) - 16 goals in 24 matches
3. Ronaldo (Brazil) - 15 goals in 19 matches
= 4. Gerd Muller (Germany) - 14 goals in 13 matches
= 4. Kylian Mbappe (France) - 14 goals in 15 matches
6. Just Fontaine (France) - 13 goals in six matches
7. Pele (Brazil) - 12 goals in 14 matches
Magical Messi always the key
19:03 , Jack Rathborn at Dallas Stadium
The key to Argentina breaking down Austria: Lionel Messi dropping deep, or, even deeper.
Messi started the move by the centre circle and his vision sent Almada clear and red shirts scrambling. Nobody thought to hold back and remain in Messi's vicinity. The ball back from Medina was perfect for a typical Messi finish: cushioned with his left instep and back to where the ball came from with Schlager already committed.
Magic.
More immortality for Messi
18:59 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Argentina 1-0 Austria
18:56 , Will Castle
Lionel Messi has made more history to put Argentina in the driving seat against Austria as they lead their Group J clash at the break.
The Argentina captain stroked home a fine finish shortly before half-time, making up for an penalty miss inside the opening 10 minutes, to become the outright top scorer in World Cup history. The missed spot-kick followed a double challenge on Lautaro Martinez in the Austria box, and Messi spurned further chances in the first half before Thiago Almada cleverly left a cutback from Facundo Medina, allowing the maestro to capitalise.
Messi had moved level with Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading top scorer in tournament history with a hat-trick in Argentina’s opener against Algeria, and he now has the outright record.
HALF-TIME! Argentina 1-0 Austria
18:54 , Will Castle
The holders go into the break in front, and the fans have already got the moment they came to see: Lionel Messi is the all-time World Cup record goalscorer.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
18:52 , Will Castle
45+6 mins: Cracking noise inside Dallas Stadium as Argentina just tick the ball about - they’re happy to cruise to half-time.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
18:52 , Will Castle
45+4 mins: There’s no doubt that tension was building as chance after chance fell to Messi, only for the record-chaser not to convert.
It was naive to think for a second it wouldn’t be his day. Nine times out of 10, it’s his day.
Argentina 1-0 Austria
18:47 , Will Castle
45+1 mins: Seven minutes added on in first half stoppages, a lot of which would have come for the lengthy VAR delay before the penalty was awarded.
What happened with that again? Anyway, doesn’t matter.
More immortality for Messi
18:44 , Jack Rathborn at Dallas Stadium
Incredible scenes, Argentina fans are beside themselves as Messi breaks the deadlock and the all-time World Cup goalscoring record.
A serenity, initially, to his celebration, fingers pointed to a blur of blue and white, but then a double fist pump, it's history for Messi and a magical 17th World Cup goal.
And 12 years after Klose's record was set, Messi has it for himself.
GOAL! Argentina 1-0 Austria (Messi, 38')
18:39 , Will Castle
THERE IT IS!!!
It was always going to come, wasn’t it! Lionel Messi slots home after having it pulled back to him in the box by Medina, and he has now broken Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record!
Just a few days before his 39th birthday, Messi is onto four goals in two games this tournament. He’s, still, got, it.
Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:38 , Will Castle
37 mins: Argentina look like they’re getting into a very promising position as Martinez is played forward, but he’s all alone and has two retreating Austria defenders for company.
He holds it up before linking with Fernandez but the eventual ball into the danger area has no one to meet it.
Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:34 , Will Castle
32 mins: OFF THE LINE! It just won’t fall for Messi!
It’s a sublime touch to try and set Fernandez in - Schlager gets there first but knocks it straight back to the Argentine magician, whose effort beats the keeper but is blocked by Danso.
Records like this are never going to come easy.
Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:31 , Will Castle
29 mins: We are back underway and Austria have another corner.
Again it comes to nothing, acrobatically cleared by Lautaro Martinez.
Will history come for Lionel Messi?
18:29 , Will Castle
Not yet...
Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:25 , Will Castle
23 mins: Half-chance for Austria as Sabitzer meets a flick on in the box, but his shot is blocked by Romero.
Nothing comes from the corner that follows, and that leads us into the first hydration break of the game.
Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:21 , Will Castle
19 mins: CHANCE! Another huge chance to snatch the record!
Messi darts into the box and beats his first man but just doesn’t get the shot away in time, denied by the leg of Austria stopper Schlager.
He’s knocking at the door...
History must wait for Messi
18:19 , Jack Rathborn at Dallas Stadium
Sheer disbelief at the Dallas Stadium after Messi curled that spot kick wide of the post. A hushed expectation was quickly followed by a gasp in disbelief.
Austria, shocked too, now trying to settle, though it's frantic, especially with the bodies scurrying to stifle Messi and crowd the space when Argentine do release him in the midfield.
History must wait for Messi, but after a lonely walk back to the centre circle, he's back bouncing around and attempting to knit the play together for Argentina.
Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:18 , Will Castle
15 mins: Another decent free-kick opportunity comes Austria’s way as Sabitzer stands over the ball from the left of the box, but he scuffs it and Argentina clear.
Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:14 , Will Castle
11 mins: The crowd has gone from vociferous to stunned by that penalty miss. They all thought they were about to witness history.
Austria are now enjoying their first bit of possession of the game and have a free-kick just inside the Argentina half.
MISS! Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:10 , Will Castle
8 mins: WOW.
It’s a poor penalty from Lionel Messi and his wait for World Cup history goes on. He is human after all.
PENALTY! Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:09 , Will Castle
The Dallas Stadium ERUPTS! VAR overturns the decision due to the sandwich nature of the tackle - Schlager only got the man.
Lionel Messi is about to get an early shot at history.
Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:08 , Will Castle
7 mins: At long last, the referee has been sent across to check the monitor!
Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:07 , Will Castle
6 mins: This is a lengthy check...
Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:06 , Will Castle
3 mins: Another early opening for Argentina! Messi slips in Martinez who bears down on goal, but Posch and Schlager both slide in with the recovery challenge.
It looks like Posch does get the ball - and Schlager doesn’t - but the referee isn’t interested in a penalty... yet. A VAR check is going on.
Martinez, meanwhile, has stayed down hurt.
Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:04 , Will Castle
2 mins: Bright start from Argentina as Fernandez makes a positive forward run.
He slips in Almada who tries to squeeze it in from the byline, but he hits it into the side netting.
Almada wants a corner, but he was probably offside anyway.
KICK-OFF! Argentina 0-0 Austria
18:02 , Will Castle
We are underway!
Cauldron in Dallas
18:01 , Jack Rathborn in Dallas Stadium
A cauldron of noise at the Dallas Stadium, Argentina fans erupt after the Austria national anthem and we're ready for kick-off.
This should be a trickier test for Argentina, Ralf Rangnick will have a plan and Austria appear to have the ingredients to frustrate Argentina and their 4-4-2 shape, Schmid and Sabitzer's ambition to get forward could prove vital to their hopes.
Likewise, Messi, and Enzo Fernandez or Alexis Mac Allister's willingness to push forward and operate between the lines should be where Argentina attempt to find joy.
Dallas Stadium packed out
17:56 , Will Castle
Barely an empty seat in the house for this one.
Time for the anthems.
Here come the teams
17:52 , Will Castle
The players are lined up in the tunnel in Dallas and are about to take to the pitch...
Are we about to witness history? Or are Austria here to spoil the party?
All the action, up next.
Final preparations
17:48 , Will Castle
Is Klose's time at the top running out?
17:41 , Will Castle
Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record of 16 last time out with a stunning hat-trick against Algeria - and he’s showing no signs of slowing up.
The German’s time at the top could be entering its final minutes...
Ribs, rainstorms and Republicans: Two weeks inside America’s supersized World Cup
17:35 , Lawrence Ostlere
JFK museum in Dallas, and it turned out I was not the only one. It is on the sixth floor of the old Texas School Book Depository and if you haven’t been, it’s excellent, cleverly laid out so that the story builds towards the fatal shots and suddenly you realise you are standing a few feet away from where Lee Harvey Oswald pulled the trigger. Or where the CIA says he did [winks].
But I would be reading about JFK’s controversial appeasement of the communists when, out of the corner of my eye, I’d be distracted by a QPR shirt. I’d view the poignant photographs of Jacqueline Kennedy in the aftermath of her husband’s assassination and notice an early 2000s England kit with “Heskey” on the back. A man walked past draped in a St George’s Cross bearing the crest of Luton Town, which is off-putting when you’re trying to absorb one of the most significant moments in American history.
This is one of the unique joys of the World Cup, of course, when football fans from all over the world mingle in public spaces, crossing paths on their way in and out of a city. Fifa’s eye-watering ticket prices have not killed all the vibes. Croatia fans were chanting in the museum queue. Germans have been getting drunk in Toronto. Argentinians are partying in Kansas City.
Ribs, rainstorms and Republicans: Two weeks inside America’s supersized World Cup
Getting in the mood
17:30 , Will Castle
Messi makes his arrival
17:23 , Jack Rathborn at Dallas Stadium
Here he is! Messi, in formation, with the Argentine squad in orange bibs, waiting for the green light to rush out onto the pitch for their warm-ups.
Messi turns, mutters a few words to his team with his back to the pitch, then spins and sprints out to a crackle of applause.
No divide in the Argentine warm-up, either, a large circle with all 26 players limbering up.
Austria captain David Alaba explains how his side will combat Argentina
17:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
David Alaba has faced Lionel Messi several times during the course of his career and knows the threat he and Argentina pose.
“We definitely watched their game before we left,” the Austria captain said.
“It’s incredible that Messi started such a tournament with a hat-trick. Absolutely insane… Let’s hope he doesn’t (do it) again…
“We know what kind of opponent we’re up against, what kind of quality they have in their ranks, even besides Messi, but also what they’re capable of as a team.”
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Dallas Stadium has very good air conditioning, of course, making the whole idea of a hydration break a little ridiculous. Lawrence Ostlere was strong on the matter at the start of the tournament.
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
Argentina analysing impact of hydration breaks
17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni offered an intriguing answer when asked about the hydration breaks at this World Cup yesterday, suggesting that he is trying to find a way of using them to his side’s advantage.
"Everything that I have in my mind can change depending on these 22, 23 minutes," Scaloni told reporters on Sunday of the disruption caused by the breaks. "We have people analysing the game and we look for solutions. It's what you do in a normal halftime.
"It's for those who want to attack because you can amend certain things. It's weird to adapt to that. It's something that, if we do it more, it will become normal. I don't think this is normal to us yet. We're trying to analyse things and correct things. Sometimes the match changes in the first period itself and you can amend certain things. I understand it will change."
Austria XI
16:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It looks like a reshaped backline for Austria with Kevin Danso into the starting side.
Austria XI: A Schlager; Laimer, Danso, Posch, Alaba; Seiwald, Sabitzer, X Schlager; Schmid, Gregoritsch, Wanner.
Argentina fans building incredible atmosphere in Dallas
16:54 , Jack Rathborn at Dallas Stadium
The noise is deafening surrounding this spaceship-like stadium with Argentina fans flocking to this Arlington hub for the latest glimpse of Messi.
There’s pride in the No 19 jersey, as much as the No 10, a hint to the journey that continues, despite No 3 for Argentina in Qatar.
Inside the stadium, the concourse underneath the enormous glass windows has thousands of Argentine fans gathering, quite whether they return to their seats at kick-off is unclear, it’s a unique vantage point.
There is only a smattering of red in this stadium, with the Red Eagles contingent tucked away in the far corner in the third tier of this football cathedral, with soccer now experiencing the magic of what Jerry Jones built for his Cowboys.
Argentina XI
16:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Nahuel Molina is brought into the backline for an otherwise unchanged Argentina.
Argentina XI: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, L Martinez, Almada.
Team news on the way...
16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
We’re expecting team news from the Dallas Stadium at some point in the near future. Argentina are set to be without Gonzalo Montiel due to a hamstring complaint, but will there be any other changes?
Lionel Messi releases statement on father Jorge’s health and criticises media coverage
16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
We must send well wishes to Lionel Messi’s father, with Jorge receiving treatment for a health issue. The family have understandably requested privacy.
Lionel Messi releases statement on father Jorge’s health and criticises media
Who will win the 2026 World Cup? Vote in our poll
16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
World Cup power rankings
16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There are a couple of World Cup contenders in action today, with France facing Iraq a little later. Where do Argentina sit in our tournament power rankings? Will Castle assesses the potential victors.
World Cup 2026 power rankings: England and France make statements after round one
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