Argentina v Austria
Formations & Lineups
Match Leaders
Game Information
Arlington, Texas, USA
Referee:Amin Omar
Match Timeline & MomentumMomentumThis graph shows how much pressure a team applied during the match. Taller columns indicate stronger attacking periods, based on things like possession, shots, goals, big chances, and other key stats.
Commentary
That's all she wrote then, and it's a history-making night for the greatest of all time, Lionel Messi, as he steers Argentina to the last 32 with a brace in a 2-0 win over Austria. It didn't start too well for Messi, who placed a ninth-minute penalty wide. But he dusted himself down and slid home the opener after a wonderful team move in the 38th minute. The second half was, truthfully, a little drab, but Messi drilled in his second of the game, and fifth of the tournament from two games, deep into injury time to seal the win. Holders Argentina, who had a superior xG of 2.65 to 0.5, are now guaranteed to progress from Group J before their final group-stage game with Jordan. Austria round out their pool stage against Algeria, and still have a little bit of work to do. But, until then, thanks for joining us folks! Until next time!
FULL-TIME: ARGENTINA 2-0 AUSTRIA
CLOSE! Messi has a free-kick from 30 yards, he sends it low past the right-hand post. He could've had a second hat-trick already in this tournament!

GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL! MESSI EXTENDS HIS RECORD! Well, it started with the genius, then ended with the genius. Messi sprayed the ball out left to Alvarez, whose initial shot was saved. Messi picks it up, sees his initial effort blocked, but drives into the centre of the goal on the follow-up. Make that 18 World Cup goals, make that 2-0 to Argentina, make that game over.
Oooh, it's half a chance for Austria. Sabitzer launches an Austria free-kick deep, Danso meets it at the back post, before Wimmer then nods wide. It wasn't easy, but that might be the last chance they get...

Paredes clatters into Chukwuemeka and goes into the book.
Shot Map
Team Stats
2.36
Expected Goals
0.53
54%
Possession
46%
5 (42%)
Shots on Goal
1 (17%)
2
Big Chances Created
1
3
Big Chances Missed
1
494 (89%)
Accurate Passes
401 (86%)
50
Duels Won
46
1
Saves
2
13
Fouls Committed
13
Game OddsOdds by
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