Lautaro Martinez, the striker from Inter, will lead the attack alongside Lionel Messi as Argentina faces Austria in the 2026 World Cup. The match is crucial for determining the top spot in Group J.
The game is scheduled to kick off in Dallas at 18:00 UK time (19:00 CEST, 12:00 local time). This fixture is a direct contest for the group leadership, following Argentina’s dominant 3-0 victory over Algeria, powered by a Messi hat-trick, and Austria’s 3-1 win against Jordan in their opening matches. Securing three points in this game will significantly increase the chances of advancing to the Round of 32.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez aims to score his first goal of the tournament, partnering with Messi upfront in Lionel Scaloni’s squad. Nico Paz, a promising talent from Como, will be on the bench. The only alteration from Argentina’s previous game is the inclusion of former Udinese full-back Nahuel Molina, replacing Gonzalo Montiel.
As Argentina defends its World Cup title, this match also marks the 40th anniversary of Diego Armando Maradona’s iconic ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the 1986 World Cup.
Austria, on their part, are bolstered by the commitment of coach Ralf Rangnick, who recently rejected an approach from Milan to become their new technical director. He has signed a new contract, confirming his continued leadership of the national team.
Veteran striker Marko Arnautovic, still performing strongly at 37, and Venezia defender Michael Svoboda, who recently achieved promotion to Serie A, are both named on the bench. Stefan Posch, a defender owned by Como, is in the starting lineup.
Argentina vs Austria: Full Lineups
Argentina: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martinez
Austria: A. Schlager; Danso, Posch, Alaba; Laimer, Seiwald, X. Schlager, Wanner; Sabitzer; Schmid, Gregoritsch
Match Summary
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0.
Player Statistics
First Half
- 9′: Lionel Messi missed a penalty.
- 39′: Lionel Messi scored a goal (Assist: Facundo Medina).
- 40′: Stefan Posch (Austria) was involved in an event.
Second Half
- 76′: Facundo Medina (Argentina) was involved in an event.
- 76′: Konrad Laimer (Austria) was involved in an event.
- 90+2′: Leandro Paredes (Argentina) received a yellow card.
- 90+5′: Lionel Messi scored a goal.
Match Statistics
- Possession: Argentina 54% – Austria 46%
- Total Shots: Argentina 12 – Austria 6
- Shots on Target: Argentina 5 – Austria 1
- Shots Off Target: Argentina 4 – Austria 5
- Blocked Shots: Argentina 3 – Austria 0
- Corners: Argentina 1 – Austria 3
- Offsides: Argentina 2 – Austria 0
- Fouls: Argentina 13 – Austria 13
Starting Lineups
Argentina:
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
- Defenders: Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Lisandro Martínez, Nahuel Molina
- Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo de Paul, Thiago Almada
- Attackers: Lautaro Martínez, Lionel Messi
Austria:
- Goalkeeper: Alexander Schlager
- Defenders: Kevin Danso, Stefan Posch, David Alaba
- Midfielders: Konrad Laimer, Marcel Sabitzer, Nicolas Seiwald, Paul Wanner, Xaver Schlager
- Attacker: Michael Gregoritsch
Substitutions
Argentina:
- 57′: Nicolás Otamendi replaced Cristian Romero
- 64′: Nico González replaced Thiago Almada
- 64′: Julián Álvarez replaced Lautaro Martínez
- 81′: Leandro Paredes replaced Rodrigo de Paul
- 82′: Nicolás Tagliafico replaced Enzo Fernández
Austria:
- 67′: Marco Friedl replaced David Alaba
- 68′: Marko Arnautovic replaced Michael Gregoritsch
- 68′: Alexander Prass replaced Stefan Posch
- 68′: Patrick Wimmer replaced Paul Wanner
- 78′: Romano Schmid was substituted off
- 85′: Carney Chukwuemeka replaced Michael Gregoritsch
English Translation:
World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Austria Lineups – Lautaro Martinez Starts with Messi
Inter striker Lautaro Martinez leads the line with Lionel Messi as Argentina face Austria in the 2026 World Cup, in a match that will decide the top of Group J.
The game kicks off in Dallas at 18:00 UK time (19:00 CEST, 12:00 local time). This is a direct battle for the group’s leading position, as Argentina began with a 3-0 victory over Algeria thanks to a Messi hat-trick, while Austria overcame Jordan 3-1 in their opening fixture. The team that secures three points today will practically book their spot in the Round of 32.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez will be hoping to score his first goal of the tournament, as he partners Messi upfront once again in Lionel Scaloni’s side. Como talent Nico Paz is on the bench.
The only change from the first game sees former Udinese full-back Nahuel Molina start in place of Gonzalo Montiel.
As they aim to retain the World Cup trophy, Argentina also marks the 40th anniversary of Diego Armando Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the 1986 World Cup.
Austria can take comfort in knowing that coach Ralf Rangnick has committed his future to them, having been approached by Milan for their new technical director role. Instead, he has signed a new contract and will continue to manage their national team.
Former Inter striker Marko Arnautovic is still performing well at 37 years old, and Venezia defender Michael Svoboda recently earned promotion to Serie A. Both are on the bench, but Como-owned defender Stefan Posch starts.
Argentina vs Austria
Argentina: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martinez
Austria: A. Schlager; Danso, Posch, Alaba; Laimer, Seiwald, X. Schlager, Wanner; Sabitzer; Schmid, Gregoritsch
