The defending champions are in Dallas.
Lionel Messi is 38 years old, reportedly arrived at this tournament nursing a hamstring issue, and just scored a hat trick in the opener against Algeria to kick off their title defense with a 3-0 win. He now needs one more goal to break Miroslav Klose’s record for most goals at the World Cup.
Austria isn’t rolling in empty-handed either. They celebrated their first World Cup win since 1990 with a 3-1 win over Jordan. Ralf Rangnick’s side arrives in North Texas with a genuine belief they can continue to make noise.
With both teams sitting on three points, this is effectively a play-in game for the top spot in the Group and a big step toward the Round of 32.
But let’s be real, we’re all here to see Messi. This could be one of the last times we see him here in Dallas.
Here’s what you need to know.
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Lineups
More on the teams:
Drew Epperley
Drew Epperley
Three Things to Watch
Can Austria’s Press Actually Slow Messi Down?
This is the entire ballgame, tactically. Austria press aggressively and move the ball quickly. They want to win the ball high, win the ball in the midfield and attack before the opposition can settle into the game. When the system works, it works. Just as Algeria. Against Messi and a midfield that includes names like DePaul and Fernandez, it is a different test entirely. L’aimer and Seiwald must limit the supply to Messi’s feet and force Argentina into longer, less incisive balls. The first 20 minutes will tell us a lot about how this game will go. If Austria come out hot, it could get interesting.
The Record Is Right There — And Messi Knows It
Messi scored all three goals in Argentina’s opener against Algeria. One more goal today means he will own the most goals record outright. Watch how Argentina structures their passing towards him. The system is built around Messi. If he gets a moment free near the penalty area, we all know what is going to happen.
Austria’s Injury Shuffle Could Decide Their Ceiling
Austria came out of the Jordan game a little banged up and it matters more than you’d think. Right back Stefan Posch suggested a broken jaw in the opener, pushing Laimer deeper into a defensive role in the midfield, rather than his box-to-box position. Toss in that Christoph Baumgartner is out for the tournament, means Rangnick has a depleted midfield to work with. Argentina may expose those issues early and often.
The Vibe Check
The early kick off in Arlington doesn’t mean the atmosphere isn’t great. Again, it’s Argentina. It’s Messi.
Getting into the stands about an hour and half before kickoff and its already pretty full of blue and white kits on one side. But, that Austrian contingent is pretty solid.
The Call
While I do think there are some folks out there who are sleeping on Austria as a threat in this group, my gut still tells me this one will be all Messi and Argentina, with La Albiceleste coming out on top 3-1.
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