Argentina needed only one match to remind the rest of the World Cup why the trophy still runs through them. A routine win over Algeria became another Lionel Messi occasion, with the captain producing a hat-trick that shifted the focus from Argentina’s title defence to the possibility of yet another historic individual milestone. Austria also opened with three points, but their victory over Jordan was less convincing and left Ralf Rangnick with plenty to correct before facing the defending champions in Dallas.

This is not yet a knockout match, but it carries the feel of an early test of credibility. Argentina can move into the next round with authority. Austria can prove their long-awaited return to this stage is about more than simply escaping a favourable fixture.

Analysis

Argentina Still Revolve Around Messi, But Not Only Messi

Messi’s opening performance will dominate the build-up, and understandably so. At 38, he remains capable of making a World Cup match bend around him. Algeria could not track his movement, could not limit his influence and could not survive once Argentina began finding him in dangerous pockets of space.

What makes this version of Argentina so difficult to contain, though, is that Messi no longer has to drag the team forward alone. Lionel Scaloni has built a side that understands how to create the right conditions for him. Rodrigo De Paul supplies energy and protection, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez provide control, and Thiago Almada adds another creative layer around the final third.

That structure matters against Austria. Rangnick’s teams are built to press, disrupt and force mistakes high up the pitch. Argentina must avoid giving them cheap transitions, particularly when playing out from defence. Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez bring aggression and progression from centre-back, but they will need to choose their moments carefully.

If Argentina beat the first wave of pressure, they should find space. And if Messi is given space, Austria will spend much of the night defending problems they cannot fully solve.

Austria Need More Discipline Than They Showed Against Jordan

Austria got the result they needed in their opener, but the performance did not entirely match the scoreline. Jordan exposed gaps that Rangnick will not want to see repeated, particularly when Austria’s press failed and the left side of the team became too easy to attack. Against weaker opposition, those lapses were survivable. Against Argentina, they could be decisive.

There is still plenty to respect in Austria’s setup. Rangnick has turned them into an intense, front-foot side with clear patterns and strong collective habits. Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager give the midfield bite, while the attacking line has enough physical presence to unsettle defenders if the service is right.

The issue is whether Austria can balance ambition with caution. Press too high and Argentina may play through them. Sit too deep and Messi will begin operating in the areas where he is most dangerous. That is the tactical trap facing Austria: their identity demands aggression, but the opponent punishes recklessness better than almost anyone.

Stefan Posch’s fitness concern adds another complication. If Konrad Laimer has to cover at right-back, Austria may gain energy and versatility, but they also lose some defensive familiarity in a match where organisation must be close to perfect.

Verdict

Austria are capable of making this uncomfortable. They are not passive, they will press Argentina, and they should offer more resistance than Algeria managed.

But Argentina’s opener was not just a Messi masterclass; it was a reminder of how well Scaloni’s side is built around him. They have the midfield control to manage difficult spells, the defenders to handle physical pressure and the greatest match-winner of his generation still deciding games at World Cup level.

Austria may have moments, especially if Argentina are careless in possession, but sustaining that threat for 90 minutes is another matter.

Tip

Argentina to win.