Messi Record Watch: Argentina vs Austria
Loading...
History is on the line in Arlington. When Argentina meet Austria in their Group J Matchday 2 fixture, Lionel Messi will step onto the AT&T Stadium turf sitting one goal short of the most storied record in World Cup history. His hat-trick against Algeria moved him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 career World Cup goals; a single strike against Austria would make the 38-year-old the outright all-time leading scorer in men’s World Cup history, almost certainly in his final tournament. This preview sets out the context, the team news and the markets for Aussie punters planning a 3:00 am AEST watch.
Argentina chase the points — and Messi chases history — under the AT&T Stadium roof.
Contents
- Match at a glance
- The record on the line
- Argentina’s form and stakes
- Austria: dangerous, not daunted
- Team news
- The markets
- What they said
- FAQ
Match at a glance
The record on the line
Miroslav Klose’s mark of 16 World Cup goals has stood since 2014. Messi drew level with it via a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s previous outing — a performance that also resolved lingering questions about his hamstring. One more goal against Austria would put him alone at the top of a list that spans the entire history of the tournament. Given this is widely expected to be Messi’s final World Cup, the 22 June fixture is the kind of occasion neutrals and Argentine fans alike will set an alarm for, wherever they are in the world.
Argentina’s form and stakes
The defending champions are unbeaten this tournament and arrive on an eight-match winning run. A win over Austria would virtually secure their advancement from Group J, where they sit level on points with Austria after both won their openers. The market reflects that authority: Argentina are 1.58 to win the match, and their outright price has shortened sharply over the past 24 hours — from around 11.00 to 9.00 — on the back of Messi’s hat-trick.
Austria: dangerous, not daunted
Austria are not in Texas to make up the numbers. They opened with a 3–1 win over Jordan and captain David Alaba has been at pains to stress his side’s belief. The market gives them 5.38 to cause an upset — a long shot, but a live one in a single match against opponents who may have one eye on managing Messi’s minutes once the result is secure.
Argentina go in as 1.58 favourites, but Austria’s opening win earns them respect.
Team news
| Team | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Lionel Messi | Fit — hamstring resolved, hat-trick v Algeria |
| Argentina | Nahuel Molina | Returning, expected to start |
| Argentina | Gonzalo Montiel | Doubtful (muscular; Molina to start) |
| Argentina | Cristian Romero | Available |
| Austria | David Alaba | Available (cleared of muscle injury) |
| Austria | Stefan Posch | Available (broken jaw v Jordan; cleared with a brace) |
| Austria | Christoph Baumgartner | Out for the tournament (thigh/surgery) |
The markets
For Aussie punters, the match line offers little standalone value on Argentina at 1.58 — the better-value angles sit in the prop and special markets that this fixture throws up, chiefly anything tied to a Messi goal. Argentina also feature in our wider winner odds movement coverage, and you can see how this match fits the day’s full card in our 22 June match tips. For the broader outright and specials menu, see the betting markets overview.
- Messi needs one goal to pass Klose (16) as the all-time men’s World Cup top scorer.
- Argentina are 1.58 to win and unbeaten on an eight-match run; a win virtually secures advancement.
- Argentina’s outright price shortened from ~11.00 to ~9.00 after the Algeria hat-trick.
- Austria (5.38) opened with a win and carry genuine quality through Alaba and Posch.
What they said
"We know what kind of opponent we’re up against, what kind of quality they have in their ranks, even besides Messi, but also what they’re capable of as a team" — David Alaba, Austria captain (Al Jazeera, 21 June 2026)
"Austria is a very tough team, as we’re seeing with the vast majority of the teams participating in this World Cup" — Pablo Aimar, Argentina assistant coach (Al Jazeera, 21 June 2026)
Odds are decimal and reflect figures available on 21–22 June 2026; lines move quickly. Gamble responsibly — 18+. Aussie punters can compare current prices in AUD across our partner books, including BetiBet, ZotaBet and Boomerang Bet.
