- Argentina vs Austria lineups: Lionel Messi starts for the reigning champions as they chase their second victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- A goal of any kind at Dallas Stadium tonight will see Messi become the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.
- The winner of the match will move to the top of Group J.
Lionel Messi has been named in the Argentina starting lineup, as the former Barcelona sensation will be hunting for a crucial goal to become the FIFA World Cup all-time top scorer when they take on Austria this evening at Dallas Stadium.
Messi was on the scoresheet with a sublime hat-trick in their opener when they dismantled Algeria 3-0 in their Group J clash, equalling the World Cup all-time scoring record of 16 goals, pulling him level alongside Germany legend Miroslav Klose.
Lionel Scaloni’s men line up in a structured 4-4-2 formation, offering excellent midfield control and a devastating focal point up front.
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Official Argentina vs Austria lineups
Emiliano Martinez anchors the goal, protected by a formidable defensive unit of Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Facundo Medina.
The midfield acts as the engine room, with Rodrigo De Paul and Thiago Almada patrolling the wider areas, while Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández command the central pivot.
Leading the line is the legendary Messi, partnered with Lautaro Martinez in an attack designed to exploit any defensive gaps.
- Argentina starting lineup: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.
- Subs: Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Senesi, Valentin Barco, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolas Paz, Nicolas Gonzalez, Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, José Manuel Lopez.
Austria responds with an energetic, high-pressing 4-2-3-1 setup designed to disrupt Argentina’s rhythm.
Alexander Schlager starts in goal behind a back four consisting of Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, David Alaba, and Konrad Laimer filling in on the left.
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Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager form a gritty double pivot in defensive midfield to shield the backline.
Ahead of them, the creative trident of Romano Schmid, Paul Wanner, and Marcel Sabitzer is tasked with pulling the strings and feeding clinical target-man Michael Gregoritsch up top.
- Austria starting lineup: Alexander Schlager; Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, David Alaba, Konrad Laimer; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Romano Schmid, Paul Wanner, Marcel Sabitzer; Michael Gregoritsch.
- Subs: Patrick Pentz, Florian Wiegele, David Affengruber, Philipp Lienhart, Marco Friedl, Michael Svoboda, Phillipp Mwene, Florian Grillitsch, Dejan Ljubicic, Alexander Prass, Carney Chukwuemeka, Alessandro Schopf, Patrick Wimmer, Marko Arnautovic, Sasa Kalajdzic.
This match promises to be a fascinating contest, with both sides entering the clash on the back of opening-day victories.
While the reigning champions overcame Algeria, Austria, managed by Ralf Rangnick, secured all three points against Jordan.
The objective for both teams is clear: claim victory, seize control of the group, and move a step closer to qualification for the Round of 32.
Where to watch Argentina vs Austria in Kenya
In Kenya, you can catch the crucial Group J clash between the Argentina vs Austria live on SuperSport International (DStv Channel 222) or on Azam TV Kenya via Azam Sports 2 HD and Azam Sports 4 HD.
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