The biggest in history! Lionel Messi scores his 18th goal in World Cups and extends his goal record in the competition
Argentina secures a 2-0 lead over Austria in an electrifying match, valid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which approaches the final whistle, but still reserves emotions in the second half’s stoppage time. Star Lionel Messi was the protagonist of the South American team, finding the net twice and consolidating their lead on the scoreboard so far. The confrontation, full of twists and turns and crucial moves, keeps fans glued to every play.
Two goals from Lionel Messi mark Argentina’s superiority on the scoreboard
Argentine idol Lionel Messi once again demonstrated his genius on the field, scoring the two goals that gave Argentina the lead over Austria. In the 38th minute of the first half, after a precise pass from Facundo Medina, Messi finished in the left corner, opening the scoring. In a crucial move in second-half stoppage time, in the 90+5 minute, he took advantage of a rebound inside the area to extend the advantage, guaranteeing a decisive performance that reaffirms his fundamental role in the team.
Moments of tension and defense on both sides of the field
The match was marked by moments of great tension and important defensive performances. Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, from Austria, made crucial saves, such as intervening on a shot by Messi in the 32nd minute, right after a rebound. On the other side, Emiliano Martinez, from Argentina, also stood out, defending a strong free kick from Marcel Sabitzer in the 55th minute. These interventions kept the game at a high voltage, with defenses working hard to prevent more goals.
Minute by minute: main moments of the match in progress
Follow the most important moments of this decisive clash for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the game still underway:
- 8′: Penalty for Argentina, after VAR review. Lionel Messi wastes the opportunity, shooting close to the right post.
- 32′: Alexander Schlager, Austria goalkeeper, makes a spectacular save from a shot by Messi, who took advantage of a rebound from the edge of the area.
- 38′: Argentine goal! Lionel Messi receives it from Facundo Medina and, with a well-aimed shot into the left corner, opens the scoring.
- 55′: Emiliano Martinez, Argentine goalkeeper, stretches to save a promising free kick from Marcel Sabitzer, avoiding a draw.
- 73′: Nicolas González (Argentina) heads dangerously after Messi’s cross, but the ball scrapes the right post.
- 90′: The referee indicates 5 minutes of extra time for the second half, maintaining expectations about the outcome of the match.
- 90+5′: Argentine goal! Lionel Messi was well positioned to hit a rebound from inside the box, extending the lead to 2-0.
Tactical changes and referee warnings
Both teams made several strategic substitutions throughout the match, seeking to renew their momentum and change the tactical panorama. Argentina made changes such as the departure of Cristian Gabriel Romero for the entry of Nicolas Otamendi in the 57th minute, and the replacement of Lautaro Martinez by Nicolas González in the 65th minute. Austria also made important changes, such as the entry of Marko Arnautovic in place of Paul Wanner in the 68th minute and Alexander Prass instead of Stefan Posch in the same stage of the game. Furthermore, referee Amin Omar handed out yellow cards to Stefan Posch (Austria), Facundo Medina (Argentina), Konrad Laimer (Austria) and Leandro Paredes (Argentina) for harsh fouls and infractions.
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Partial statistics and game continuity
The match statistics, so far, show a balanced game in some aspects, with ball possession at 45% for Argentina and 55% for Austria. The number of shots on goal is 2 for Argentina and 1 for Austria, reflecting Argentina’s effectiveness in the chances created. With the score at 2-0 in favor of Argentina, the match continues intensely into the final stoppage time, promising more emotions before the final whistle. The game is still ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain.
