Hat-trick hero Lionel Messi will be back in action on Monday as defending World Cup champions Argentina face Austria in their second Group J match in Dallas, US.
Messi proved that age is just a number as he stunned the world with yet more magic against Algeria in Kansas City. The 38-year-old, who is making his sixth World Cup appearance, scored all three goals as Argentina eased past their North African opponents.
Austria should prove to be sterner opposition for the South American giants, with Ralf Rangnick’s side beating Jordan in their opening group game...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Both sides arrive in Kansas City knowing that a win will all but secure their place in the knockout stages.
Lionel Messi inspired Argentina’s title defence with a hat-trick in their opening match at this tournament, drawing level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
His three goals marked his first-ever hat-trick at a FIFA tournament, and the Argentinian superstar even had one other effort ruled out for offside. He now sits on 16 World Cup goals.
The iconic Argentinian number 10, who spent the majority of his club career in Spain with Barcelona before moving to French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), now plies his trade in the US football’s Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.
His appearance against Algeria was the 200th of his international career, which began in 2005 at the age of 18.
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Despite his hat-trick heroics against the North African side, Algeria have complained that Messi should have been sent off for standing on the calf of their captain, Aissa Mandi. They have since lodged a formal complaint to FIFA’s refereeing commission.
In the build-up to this encounter, Austria captain David Alaba has stressed that Argentina’s quality extends well beyond their talismanic midfielder.
“We know what kind of opponent we’re up against, what kind of quality they have in their ranks, even besides Messi, but also what they’re capable of as a team,” he told reporters.
Austria will hope their organised pressing game can disrupt Argentina’s rhythm and strengthen their credentials as potential group winners.
The European side eventually ran out 3-1 winners against Jordan in their opening Group J match, with veteran striker Marko Arnautovic scoring a 102nd-minute penalty to seal the win.
Argentina assistant coach Pablo Aimar warned that Austria would pose a different challenge to Algeria, describing Rangnick’s side as a physical team capable of causing problems despite Argentina’s impressive start.
“Austria is a very tough team, as we’re seeing with the vast majority of the teams participating in this World Cup,” he said in a FIFA interview.
Gonzalo Montiel is a doubt for Argentina, with the right-back suffering from a hamstring issue. Nahuel Molina is likely to take his place if he misses out.
Austria also have issues at right-back, with Stefan Posch unlikely to feature due to a broken jaw.
Marko Arnautovic will push to start in attack after coming off the bench against Jordan.
