No previous meetings between these teams.
-
1
Lionel Messi3 - 2
Romano Schmid1 - 3Marko Arnautovic1
- 1Lionel Messi6
- 2Stefan Posch2
- 3Sasa Kalajdzic2
- 4Alexis Mac Allister2
- 5Marko Arnautovic2
- 6Konrad Laimer1
- 7Thiago Almada1
- 8Carney Chukwuemeka1
- 9David Alaba1
- 10Lautaro Martínez1
- 1Enzo Fernández3
- 2Gonzalo Montiel2
- 3Nicolas Seiwald2
- 4Rodrigo De Paul2
- 5Thiago Almada2
- 6Facundo Medina2
- 7Lionel Messi2
- 8Nicolás Otamendi2
- 9Stefan Posch1
- 10Konrad Laimer1
Argentina and Austria are both out to make it two wins from two at the 2026 World Cup as they meet in Group J on Monday evening.
As reigning champions, expectations are high for Argentina but they looked like living up to their promise in the opening game. At the ripe old age of 38, it’s clear who the main man still is. Lionel Messi scored all three of Albicelete’s goals as they cruised a 3-0 win over Algeria.
Austria on the other hand survived a bit of a scare against Jordan. The World Cup debutants had held Burschen to 1-1 up until the 76th minute when Yazan Al-Arab put through his own goal. Marko Arnautovic’s last-minute penalty put more of a sheen on the result than the Europeans perhaps deserved.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina to win & over 2.5 goals | 6/4 @ William Hill (40%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Argentina made an impressive start to the tournament with a comfortable 3-0 win over Algeria and look well placed to build on that result against Austria. The world champions have plenty of attacking quality throughout the side and should create enough chances to get on the scoresheet multiple times. Austria also opened with a victory, beating Jordan 3-1, which suggests they can contribute to an entertaining game rather than simply sit back. Goals are on the cards here. |
| Rodrigo de Paul over 0.5 assists | 19/4 @ Coral (17.4%) | ⭐⭐ | Rodrigo de Paul is perhaps a surprise inclusion in this Argentina team for some, but those in the know cite his understanding with Lionel Messi as a key reason for that. The Inter Miami team-mates linked up for the first goal against Algeria, with de Paul’s midfield-splitting pass finding Messi’s feet. He picked up two assists in his final two Major League Soccer games before the World Cup began – we fancy him to get another here. |
How both teams go into Argentina vs Austria
Can Argentina make history by becoming only the second team in history to retain the World Cup this summer? Their campaign certainly got off to a perfect start, with Messi turning in an imperious performance to lead his side to all three points against Algeria. He pulled level with Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest World Cup goalscorer of all-time in the meantime.
This Albiceleste side is focused heavily on Messi. He’s not the only star in the team though and Lionel Scaloni actually has an embarrassment of riches to choose from, particularly in attack. Confidence in their ability to beat off competition from Spain, France, England and others and keep hold of the trophy will start to increase. Especially if they can earn three points here and all but confirm top spot in Group J.
Austria were one of several teams being discussed as dark horses before the tournament. However, their performance against Jordan left a lot to be desired. Their Asian opponents looked like earning themselves a draw for quite some time. They even took more shots than Ralf Rangnick’s men, who eventually managed to run out 3-1 winners.
Given the way the tournament is set up, there’s a good chance that victory on Matchday One will be enough to earn Burschen a route through to the next round. However, they’ll be keen to turn in a better performance here. A win against one of the genuine contenders for the trophy would improve confidence before rounding off the group against Algeria.
Argentina team news
The main question mark in the Argentina line-up is at right-back. Gonzalo Montiel, who scored the winning penalty in the 2022 final, was withdrawn at half-time due to a hamstring problem. He could be replaced by Nahuel Molina. It’s not expected to be a long-term issue though and if he does miss out it will just be as a precaution.
A win here would all but confirm top spot for Argentina, so they may take the opportunity to rest and rotate players in their final group stage game against Jordan if they can earn all three points here.
Austria team news
Austria are also likely to be forced into a change at right-back with Stefan Posch suffering a broken jaw. Konrad Laimer is the most likely replacement for him. Thankfully though, the 29 year old’s injury doesn’t require surgery and he should be able to return against Algeria in protective gear if he doesn’t play in this game.
The ageing Arnautovic came off the bench at half-time against Jordan and scored from the penalty spot. He’ll hope to be handed a starting place for this game. Sasa Kalajdzic, who was withdrawn at half-time, is the man whose place is under threat from the ex-Inter Milan man.
Head-to-head
This is the first ever competitive meeting between the two teams with all three previous matches being friendly games.
| Date | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 25 June 1966 | Austria 1-0 Argentina | International Friendly |
| 21 May 1980 | Austria 1-5 Argentina | International Friendly |
| 3 May 1990 | Austria 1-1 Argentina | International Friendly |
Can Argentina top the group or will Austria start to look like contenders?
Another win here and Argentina will start to dream again. Messi, as always, will be vital and Austria must find a way to stop him if they’re to make it two wins from two themselves in Group H.
But we can’t see them doing that. Messi or not, Argentina have too much strength for Burschen but there will be goals – both teams scored three in their opening games after all. That’s why we’re on Argentina to win and over 2.5 goals at 6/4 with William Hill.
Messi’s link-up with Rodrigo de Paul is well documented. It was key to opening the scoring in the win over Algeria. We’re backing the midfielder to earn another assist in this game at 19/4 with Coral.
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