Messi Leads Argentina to Another Victory
Argentina cruises over Austria in their second match of the World Cup with pure Messi magic in Dallas. Messi scored twice against Austria to seal the match for Argentina, which increases his goal tally to 5 from 2 matches in the World Cup and makes him the all-time top scorer in the history of the tournament with 18 goals.
Austria Make Life Difficult for Argentina
Argentina didn’t have a good start against Austria; led by their captain Alaba, Messi missed a penalty kick, and Argentina struggled to cope with the physical game and pressing of Austria. Austria had physical defenders who easily managed Lautaro Martinez and Almada, but Messi broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a brilliant strike from the cutback of left back Facundo Medina.
Then Austria has intensified their pressing and physical approach in midfield, which puts consistent pressure on the Argentine defense. Laimer was the best player on the Austrian side with his hard work, leadership, and quality in the midfield of Austria.
Scaloni's Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
Enzo Fernandez and Depaul lost the strings of midfield in the second half, but Scaloni brought in Paredes, a defensive midfielder, and Otamendi in defense to go toe-to-toe with the physical game of opponents, which paid off.
Messi Delivers in the Decisive Moment
After the entry of Arnautović to the team, Austria spammed crosses into the box for an equalizer, but Argentina's defense managed it really well aerially. While Argentinians were fearing a possible equalizer from Austria, Lionel Messi came to the rescue for the team with a goal in the dying minutes. Messi opened the opportunity with his own pass from the right side of the pitch to Alvarez, but Alvarez missed it, and Messi scored the rebound.
We’re witnessing one of the most dangerous Messis in the history of the game, who single-handedly led his team to win in the first two matches of the World Cup with 5 goals.
Facundo Medina had an exceptional game along with Messi, with an assist to the opening goal.
Argentina will face Jordan in the final group match ahead of the round of 32, where the team aims for a perfect finish to the group stage with 9 points.