Argentina into the last 32 after beating Austria 2-0

JAKARTA - The Argentina national team advanced to the last 32 after overcoming Austria in the 2026 World Cup Group J match at the AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Monday local time.

In this match, Argentina's victory over Austria came thanks to two goals created by Lionel Messi, FIFA notes.

This victory makes Argentina comfortable in first place in the 2026 World Cup Group J standings with six points from two matches.

On the other hand, Austria is in second place in the 2026 World Cup Group J standings with three points from two matches.

Argentina had a golden opportunity first after getting a penalty kick after striker Lautaro Martinez was fouled in the penalty box.

Lionel Messi who advanced as the executioner failed to carry out his duties well after his kick was still narrowly off the Austrian goal.

Argentina continued to try to take the lead first, one of which was through Enzo Fernandez's shot which could still be blocked by Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

Messi was able to make up for his failure to execute a penalty after being able to break into the Austrian goal in the 38th minute after taking advantage of Facundo Medina's pass so that the score changed to 1-0.

Entering the second half, Austria briefly created an opportunity to equalize through a free kick from Marcel Sabitzer which could be secured by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Messi had the opportunity to double Argentina's lead, but the pass sent by Nicolas Gonzalez still could not be maximized.

There was a trade of attacks by both teams, but until the extra time there was nothing that resulted in a goal.

In the second half of extra time, Messi was able to double Argentina's lead to 2-0 after taking advantage of a rebound in the Austrian penalty box in the 90th minute +5 and the score remained until the end of the match.