The Argentina team ended the first half of their match against Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a minimal advantage, leading the score 1-0. The clash, valid for the second round of the World Championship, has been marked by moments of high tension, a crucial VAR decision and a goal from Lionel Messi, keeping fans in suspense for the final stage.
Initial drama and VAR intervention in the match
The start of the game was eventful, with Argentina creating chances and Austria showing resistance. After just 4 minutes, Lautaro Martinez fell in the opponent’s area, but referee Amin Omar initially ordered the play to continue. The play, which could have resulted in a great opportunity, generated an important interruption. At 5 minutes, the referee stopped the match to consult the VAR, a decision that caused expectations among the players and the fans.
The video assistant referee’s review confirmed a penalty in favor of Argentina, to the satisfaction of the South American athletes. Lionel Messi went for the penalty in the 8th minute, but, in a rare moment of inaccuracy, his shot skimmed the right post, missing a golden chance to open the scoring.
Messi hits the net and Argentina takes advantage
Despite the missed penalty, the Argentine team kept the pressure on and looked to attack. In the 38th minute, the effort was rewarded: Facundo Medina passed to Lionel Messi at the edge of the area. The Argentine star did not waste the new opportunity, beating goalkeeper Alexander Schlager with a beautiful shot into the left corner, putting Argentina 1-0 up and lighting up the crowd. The goal brought relief and consolidated Argentina’s superiority in controlling ball possession.
With the goal, Argentina demonstrated more control over the pace of the match, exchanging precise passes to dictate the progress of the match. Despite ball possession remaining at 45% for Argentina and 55% for Austria in the opening 18 minutes, the South American team managed to convert their opportunities into clear chances, finishing once on goal, against none for Austria. In the final minutes, the intensity remained high, with the referee indicating 7 minutes of added time before the break, reflecting the interruptions and dynamism of the game.
First half highlights: match timeline
Follow the main moments that marked the first stage of the confrontation between Argentina and Austria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
- 1 minute:The game starts with Thiago Almada (Argentina) caught offside after a through ball.
- 4 minutes:Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) has a clear chance to score after a pass from Enzo Fernandez, but the Austrian defense clears the danger. In the same minute, Lautaro falls in the area, but the referee does not call a foul initially.
- 5 minutes:Referee Amin Omar interrupts the match to consult the VAR, analyzing a possible penalty in favor of Argentina, generating great expectations.
- 8 minutes:After the VAR review, a penalty is awarded to Argentina. Lionel Messi charges, but the ball goes close to the right post, resulting in a huge missed opportunity.
- 10 minutes:Romano Schmid (Austria) commits an attacking foul, promptly signaled by the referee, despite the player’s complaints.
- 11 minutes:Lisandro Martinez (Argentina) commits a hard foul, giving Austria an opportunity to take the penalty.
- 14 minutes:Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina) brings down an opponent, resulting in another foul for Austria.
- 18 minutes:Ball possession is balanced, registering 45% for Argentina and 55% for Austria, showing the competition in midfield.
- 21 minutes:Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) is penalized for a reckless foul.
- 23 minutes:Marcel Sabitzer (Austria) has a great chance with a volley inside the box, but the shot is blocked by the opposing defense in an impressive tackle, resulting in a corner.
- 24 minutes:The referee blows the whistle for the players’ rehydration break, necessary due to the playing conditions.
- 32 minutes:Lionel Messi (Argentina) creates a dangerous play, serving Enzo Fernandez, who cannot overcome goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. On the rebound, Messi sends a shot to the left corner, but the Austrian goalkeeper makes a great save.
- 34 minutes:The goal attempt statistics show 2:2, with Argentina having 1 shot on target and Austria 0, highlighting Argentina’s efficiency in finishing.
- 38 minutes: Argentina goal!Lionel Messi receives it from Facundo Medina at the edge of the area and, with a well-aimed shot into the left corner, opens the score for Argentina: 1-0.
- 40 minutes:Stefan Posch (Austria) receives a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct.
- 45 minutes:The referee indicates the addition of 7 minutes to the first half’s stoppage time, extending the initial stage.
- 45+2 minutes:Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) makes a dangerous tackle, resulting in a foul for Austria. Marcel Sabitzer (Austria) tries a quick kick.
- 45+7 minutes:The referee ends the first half, with no further calls.
For the next 45 minutes of the game, the expectation is for a more offensive Austria in search of a draw, while Argentina will try to maintain the advantage and increase the score to guarantee victory in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Follow in real time the main plays, goals and decisive moments of the second half. Stay up to date with all the latest football matches with live minute-by-minute coverage from the Mix Vale news portal! To not miss any updates, subscribe to Mix Vale notifications for free at www.mixvale.com and receive news instantly, directly on your device. Don’t miss any details about your favorite team! The game continues.