Is Lionel Messi Playing vs Austria? Argentina vs Austria World Cup Preview

Argentina will meet Austria in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 22 June (kickoff 17:00 UTC), and the big question for fans and neutrals alike is simple: will Lionel Messi start again after his hat-trick in Argentina’s tournament opener against Algeria? The latest projected lineups from World Soccer Talk have Messi in the XI as Argentina chase a second win that would edge them closer to topping the group, while Ralf Rangnick’s Austria aim to upset the favorites with a high-energy pressing game.

Why it matters

This match matters for two clear reasons. First, Lionel Messi’s goalscoring chase: the report notes he needs one more World Cup goal to become the all-time leading scorer, making his presence and fitness a headline storyline. Second, the fixture has immediate group-table implications — a second straight Argentina win would put Lionel Scaloni’s team in a strong position in Group J, while Austria have shown they can be disruptive and will look to contest top-two places with a dynamic pressing approach under Rangnick.

Projected Argentina XI and selection notes

World Soccer Talk’s projection keeps Argentina in an attacking setup built around Lionel Messi. The outlet expects Scaloni to field Emiliano Martínez in goal, a back four of Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Facundo Medina, and a midfield trio featuring Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández. Up front, Nicolás González could operate on the left wing with Messi in a free role and Lautaro Martínez leading the line; Julián Álvarez is named as the wider attacking option in the report.

Projected Austria XI and tactical approach

According to the projection, Austria will line up with Alexander Schlager in goal behind a back three of Philipp Lienhart, Kevin Danso and David Alaba. Ralf Rangnick’s side are described as using a gegenpressing, possession-based counterattacking approach, with Konrad Laimer, Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager occupying the midfield and Marcel Sabitzer, Romano Schmid and Marko Arnautović providing attacking thrust. The report also lists Phillipp Mwene as part of the attacking structure on the right.

Tactical match-up: press versus creative freedom

The preview frames the clash as a battle between Argentina’s creative, Messi-led attack and Austria’s organised press and quick transitions. Argentina’s midfield (De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández) is highlighted for its ability to bypass a high press, while Austria’s midfield intelligence — led by Laimer and Sabitzer — is credited with creating turnovers and exploiting spaces on transitions. The projected defensive trio of Alaba, Danso and Lienhart is identified as Austria’s answer to containing Argentina’s forward movement.

• Kickoff: Argentina vs Austria, FIFA World Cup Group J, 22 June 2026, 17:00 UTC (match_data).
• Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening win over Algeria and is expected to start vs Austria (World Soccer Talk).
• Report says Messi needs one more World Cup goal to become the all-time leading scorer (World Soccer Talk).
• Projected Argentina XI includes Emiliano Martínez; Montiel, C. Romero, L. Martínez, F. Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández; Nicolás González; Messi; Lautaro Martínez (World Soccer Talk).
• Projected Austria XI includes Alexander Schlager; Lienhart, Danso, David Alaba; Laimer, Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager, Phillipp Mwene; Marcel Sabitzer; Romano Schmid; Marko Arnautović (World Soccer Talk).
• Austria are described as using a gegenpressing, possession-based counterattacking style under Ralf Rangnick (World Soccer Talk).

What to watch during the game

Keep an eye on how Argentina protect Messi from intense marking and whether they alter their build-up to bypass Austria’s press. Watch the battle for midfield control — if De Paul, Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández can link effectively and find Messi in pockets between the lines, Argentina should create clear chances. For Austria, success will hinge on quick recoveries after losing possession, clinical use of transitional moments, and whether the back three can limit Messi’s direct involvements.

Official starting lineups are typically confirmed by each team shortly before kick-off; the lineups above are projections from World Soccer Talk and should be treated as such until the teams publish their final squads.

What happens next

Argentina and Austria will confirm official lineups ahead of the 17:00 UTC kick-off on 22 June. If Messi starts and plays as projected, the game will be watched closely for a possible historic goal that would move him to the top of the World Cup scorers list; alternatively, an Austrian upset would reshuffle the group narrative and underline Rangnick’s tactical impact. Fans should look to official match-sheets and referee announcements for final confirmation of teams and any late changes.