Texas: Argentina captain Lionel Messi revealed he was “very angry” with himself after missing a penalty but turned that frustration into motivation, scoring twice to guide his team to a 2-0 win over Austria in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The victory not only secured Argentina’s place in the Round of 32 but also saw Messi create history by becoming the leading goal-scorer in World Cup history. His first goal in the match marked his 17th in the tournament, before he added another in second-half injury time to take his tally to 18.
Messi breaks record despite early setback
The match began with a surprising moment as Messi missed a penalty early in the game when the score was still 0-0. The Argentine skipper later admitted that the miss left him frustrated.
Messi said he struck the ball poorly and was disappointed with his execution. However, he quickly regrouped and channelled that anger into delivering a match-winning performance.
He opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a composed finish, sparking celebrations among Argentina supporters. His second goal came late in stoppage time, sealing a crucial win for the defending champions.
Argentina secure knockout berth
Argentina’s victory ensured their progression to the knockout stage, putting them in a strong position in Group J. The team could finish as group winners if results in other matches go their way.
Despite the win, Messi acknowledged the challenge posed by Austria, who proved to be resilient opponents. Argentina were unable to fully dominate the second half and had to remain alert against counter-attacks.
The Argentine captain described the match as intense, noting that every game in the tournament has been closely contested.
Penalty struggles continue for Messi
While Messi’s overall performance was outstanding, his struggles from the penalty spot continue to be a talking point. The forward has had a mixed record with spot-kicks in World Cup tournaments.
He previously missed a penalty against Poland in the 2022 World Cup and also failed to convert from the spot during the 2018 edition. Despite this, his ability to influence matches in open play remains unmatched.
Fitness concerns and strong comeback
Coming into the tournament, Messi had faced concerns over his fitness due to a minor hamstring issue. There were also doubts about his participation, as he took time to confirm his availability for what is his sixth World Cup appearance.
However, he quickly silenced critics with a stunning hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opening match. His latest performance further reinforces his importance to the team.
What lies ahead for Argentina
Argentina now look ahead to their final group-stage match against Jordan. A win would ensure they progress with maximum points, strengthening their position for the knockout rounds.
Coach Lionel Scaloni may consider rotating the squad, including possibly resting Messi, to manage workload ahead of more challenging fixtures.
Messi, however, emphasised the team’s mindset of aiming for victory in every match, underlining Argentina’s competitive approach.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s ability to overcome setbacks and deliver under pressure once again proved decisive for Argentina. His record-breaking achievement adds another milestone to an already illustrious career.
As the tournament progresses, Argentina will rely heavily on their captain’s experience and brilliance. With momentum on their side, they remain strong contenders to defend their World Cup title.