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Messi Scores Twice, Argentina Beats Austria to Last-32

6/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lionel Messi scored in the 38th and 95th minutes, giving Argentina a 2-0 win over Austria and a last-32 spot.
Earlier he missed a penalty, his first World Cup spot-kick failure since 2022, lowering his conversion rate to 57 %.
The 38th-minute goal, built from a Facundo Medina pass and a Thiago Almada dummy, came before 70,649 fans at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium and put Argentina atop Group J with six points.

History

Historical Context

On July 17 1994 the Rose Bowl in Pasadena hosted FIFA’s first World Cup on U.S. soil, drawing over 94,000 fans. Brazil defeated Italy 3-2 in the inaugural penalty-shootout final, securing a fourth title after earlier wins in 1958, 1962 and 1970. Roberto Baggio missed Italy’s decisive spot-kick, cementing the match’s lasting legacy.

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Story summary

Lionel Messi scored in the 38th and 95th minutes, giving Argentina a 2-0 win over Austria and a last-32 spot.
Earlier he missed a penalty, his first World Cup spot-kick failure since 2022, lowering his conversion rate to 57 %.
The 38th-minute goal, built from a Facundo Medina pass and a Thiago Almada dummy, came before 70,649 fans at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium and put Argentina atop Group J with six points.

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