Lionel Messi will captain Argentina against Austria tonight knowing a win would see the defending world champions ease into the round of 32.
Messi netted a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria last week and showed he was still at the peak of his powers despite the fact he will turn 39 years of age on Wednesday.
Austria also got off to a winning start, beating Jordan 3-1 although they left it late to put the game to bed.
Ralf Rangnick’s men ought to pose a threat to Argentina with the likes of David Alaba, Konrad Laimer and Marko Arnautovic all having experience of playing regularly at the highest level.
Where to watch Argentina vs Austria: TV channel, online live stream
The match kicks off on Monday, June 22 at Dallas Stadium. Kick-off is at 18:00 BST.
In the UK, live World Cup matches are expected to be broadcast across the BBC, with streaming available via BBC iPlayer.
Argentina vs Austria stats
- Argentina won their opening Group J match 3-0 against Algeria
- Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s win
- La Albiceleste have won each of their last eight matches in all competitions
- Argentina have won seven consecutive World Cup matches
- Austria defeated Jordan 3-1 in their opening group fixture
- Das Team have conceded more than one goal in only one of their last 18 matches
- Austria are appearing at their first World Cup since 1998
- Argentina are the reigning world champions after winning the 2022 tournament
- Austria have not reached the World Cup knockout stages since 1982
- The nations have met twice previously, with Argentina winning 5-1 in 1980 before a 1-1 draw in 1990
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