2026 World Cup: Messi and Argentina lead Austria at halftime

22.06.26 FT World Cup

Argentina

2

:

Austria

0

Argentina are in control at the end of the first half in this second group stage match against Austria (1-0). The Albiceleste have Lionel Messi to thank.

From the start, Argentina dictated the pace and, on their very first attack, striker Lautaro Martinez was brought down in the box in a controversial double challenge. After a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot. Messi, however, missed the chance to open the scoring in the 9th minute.

But the Argentine superstar, who had already forced Austria’s Alaba into nearly scoring an own goal, made no mistake on his third opportunity, slotting home with his trademark side-foot finish after a pinpoint assist from Marseille's Medina (1-0, 38’)!

1-0 reads the scoreboard at halftime.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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