Argentina vs Austria: Messi and the Champions Meet a Surprise Package

Predictions

Argentina are big favorites, and almost every expert backs the champions, with Messi expected to shine again.

The one doubt is how well Austria can hold Argentina off and keep the score down.

• Our prediction: Argentina win 2-0, with Messi involved again.
• OneFootball: a comfortable Argentina win.
• Juvefc: an Argentina win, sending them top of the group.
• Top End Sports: an Argentina win, with a 2-1 scoreline predicted.

Why this game matters so much

This is the game where the world champions show up, because Argentina won the last World Cup back in 2022.

They are also the number 1 ranked team in the world right now, so every opponent treats them as the prize scalp.

The man who makes them must-watch television is Lionel Messi, and he could not have started this tournament any better.

He scored a hat-trick (which is 3 goals) in their opener, a 3-0 win over Algeria.

Many people believe this is Messi's last ever World Cup, so fans want to soak up every minute he is on the pitch.

But Austria did not come all this way just to make up the numbers.

They sit 25th in the FIFA rankings, and they opened with a win of their own.

That was a 3-1 win over Jordan, so they arrive believing they can surprise the world champions.

With both teams already on 3 points, this is the game that decides who runs the group.

Why Argentina are the favorites

Argentina have more star power than almost any team at this World Cup, and it starts at the very top.

Their forward Messi can decide a game in a single touch, and right now he is playing some of the best football of his life.

He is far from a one-man show, though, with the striker Julian Alvarez darting in behind defenses and Rodrigo De Paul setting the tempo in midfield.

Coach Lionel Scaloni built the side that lifted the trophy in 2022, so this group knows exactly how to win the tight games.

That winning habit is a huge edge when the pressure climbs in the second half.

The bookmakers feel it too, handing Argentina about a 62% chance to take all 3 points.

An Austria win is priced at around 5.5 to 1, which shows just how unlikely the upset is on paper.

Why Austria can cause trouble

Austria are not your usual underdog, and a lot of that is down to their coach.

Ralf Rangnick is one of the most respected coaches in Europe, and he has Austria pressing hard and playing with real confidence.

Their forward Marko Arnautovic has played at the top level for years, so a big stage will not scare him one bit.

Behind him, Marcel Sabitzer can score from distance and Xaver Schlager never stops chasing the ball back.

If Austria can crowd Messi and force Argentina to be patient, the game could stay close for a long time.

And the longer it stays level, the more the pressure shifts onto the favorites who are expected to win easily.

Beating the world champions would be one of the greatest results in Austrian football history.

Our call: Argentina 2-0

We are backing Argentina to win 2-0.

Messi and his teammates simply have too much quality, and over 90 minutes that gap usually shows.

We expect Argentina to take their time, keep the ball, and wait for one moment of Messi magic to break the game open.

Still, we do not think Austria will roll over the way some smaller teams do.

Rangnick has them well organized, so they should avoid a heavy beating even if they lose.

Once Argentina go in front, we think their class tells and they add a safe second goal.

What is at stake?

Both of these teams started Group J with a win, so they share top spot on 3 points each.

Algeria and Jordan both lost their openers, which leaves them on 0 points and already chasing.

Here is the simple version: the 2 best teams in the group move on to the next round, and some of the strongest 3rd-place teams across all the groups join them.

So a win here does not just feel good, it almost guarantees a place in the knockout stage with a game to spare.

For Argentina, 3 points would send a loud message that the champions mean business again.

For Austria, taking down the world's number 1 team would be a night their fans never forget.

Where and when can you watch?

The game is on Monday June 22, 2026, at AT&T Stadium near Dallas.

Kickoff is 12:00 (12:00 PM) Central time.

You can also find all the details on the match page.

Hoping to watch it live in the stands? Have a look at our World Cup tickets guide.