Live score: Argentina defeats Austria and secures advancement in the 2026 World Cup Group J second match.
On 23 June 2026 GMT+7, in the 2026 World Cup Group J second group stage match, defending champions Argentina faced Austria. In their first matches, Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 and had 3 points, while Austria defeated Jordan 3-1, also earning 3 points.
In the 9th minute of the first half, Argentina earned a penalty after Lautaro Martínez was fouled by Stefan Posch in the box. The referee checked VAR before awarding the penalty, but Lionel Messi's shot went wide, missing the target.
At the 32nd minute, "La Albiceleste" nearly took the lead again. Lionel Messi crossed into the box; goalkeeper Alexander Schlager blocked it, but the ball fell to Messi who immediately shot. However, it was blocked by David Alaba who dived in front of the goal.
In the 38th minute, Argentina took a 1-0 lead following a midfield interception and a left-side attack. Facundo Medina crossed into the center where Lionel Messi made an unmarked run and scored, catching Alexander Schlager off balance as the ball went into the net. The half ended with this score.
In the second half, at the 67th minute, Austria threatened an equalizer from a left-side attack. Marcel Sabitzer crossed to Michael Gregoritsch who headed above Argentina's defenders, but his header went over the crossbar.
At the 73rd minute, Argentina nearly doubled their lead from a left corner. Lionel Messi delivered a cross to substitute Nico González who headed the ball just wide past the goal line.
In injury time at 90+5 minutes, "La Albiceleste" sealed the match. Lionel Messi's initial shot was saved, but he persistently followed up and slid the ball through the legs of an Austrian defender to score 2-0. This goal made Messi the all-time top scorer in World Cup finals with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose's 16 for Germany.
The match ended with Argentina winning 2-0, securing 6 points from 2 matches and guaranteeing their spot in the 32-team knockout stage. Their next match is against Jordan on 27 June.
Austria remains with 3 points but still has a chance to advance. Their next match against Algeria on 27 June will determine qualification.