Lionel Messi announced himself at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in emphatic fashion, bagging a hat-trick in under 80 minutes as Argentina dismantled Austria in their Group J opener. Now, the two sides meet again at the AT&T; Stadium on Monday 22 June, with kick-off at 6pm BST.

A second consecutive win would hand Argentina top spot in Group J with one match still to play — a scenario that looked entirely plausible after their commanding first outing.

A one-man show — with exceptional support

Messi was the undeniable centrepiece of Argentina's opening performance, but the strength of La Albiceleste lies in what surrounds him. Opponents who concentrate defensive resources on the Inter Miami forward quickly hand free space to Lautaro Martinez — a consistently dangerous presence alongside the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner — and Julian Alvarez, while Enzo Fernandez pulls the strings in midfield.

Austria enter this rematch well aware of the problem. Their comparable FIFA ranking to Algeria offered little comfort after watching Algeria struggle to contain Messi, and the tactical challenge is just as sharp the second time around.

Austria's defensive backbone could limit the damage

Austria are not without their own qualities. Key figures such as David Alaba and Konrad Laimer operate primarily as defenders, which may make them better equipped to absorb pressure than Algeria were. A complete second-half collapse — as Algeria experienced — seems less likely against a side with that defensive profile.

Should Austria find a way to break forward, they would still face one of the most dependable defensive units in the tournament. Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez provide Premier League-tested steel at the back, while Emi Martinez — a multiple Yashin Award winner — guards the goal.

Messi's influence unlikely to wane

Argentina are not strangers to World Cup upsets — their defeat to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar remains a sharp reminder that no lead in form guarantees safety. However, the balance of this fixture points heavily in their favour.

Another hat-trick from Messi may be too much to expect, but his influence on proceedings is almost certain. Argentina arrive as firm favourites, and a clean-sheet win feels like the most probable outcome.

Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Austria