Lionel Messi fever gripped World Cup 2026 in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The little magician scored a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opener.
Messi’s heroics got the reigning champions off to the perfect start, while Austria claimed a 3-1 win over Jordan just a few hours later.
The two sides meet in Monday’s prime-time UK slot at the fantastic Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
We have previewed the big group-stage clash below, as well as making some sports betting picks based on the latest World Cup odds.
And if multiple markets from this fixture – or indeed any other – catch your eye, remember that you can combine them into one handy wager with NetBet’s brilliant Bet Builder feature.
Where can I watch Argentina vs Austria in the UK?
Argentina vs Austria will be broadcast live on BBC One, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm UK time.
Argentina vs Austria Preview
Recent results
Argentina’s Messi-led win against Algeria was their eighth straight victory, and it also extended their unbeaten run in World Cup football to seven matches. Lionel Scaloni’s side are champions of the world and South America for a reason, and stopping them looks a tall order indeed.
Austria’s victory over Jordan was their fourth in succession following previous successes over Ghana (5-1), South Korea (1-0) and Tunisia (1-0). Ralf Rangnick’s team are currently ranked 21st in the world by FIFA, so Argentina will not underestimate them one bit.
Head-to-head record
This will be the fourth meeting between Argentina and Austria. The first in 1966 ended in a 1-0 victory for the Austrians.
Argentina won 5-1 when the sides clashed again in 1980, before a 1-1 draw in 1990.
Team news
Neither team has any confirmed injuries or suspensions for this match.
Scaloni will have to decide whether to stick with Lautaro Martinez in attack, or opt to start Julian Alvarez in support of virtuoso skipper Messi.
Evergreen forward Marko Arnautovic could find a way into the Austria XI after a bright cameo as a second-half substitute vs Jordan, in which he scored from the penalty spot.
Argentina vs Austria Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Argentina are clear favourites at odds of 1.55. A win for Austria is priced at 6.00, while the draw here is 3.77.
Argentina vs Austria Betting Tips
Anytime goalscorer – Lionel Messi @ 1.91
This Argentina team is designed to suit Messi’s needs, making him the ideal pick in the goalscorer markets. The Inter Miami forward has eight goals in his last seven international appearances, as well as 10 in his previous eight World Cup matches. Typically mind-boggling numbers from an all-time great.
Lionel Messi to have over 1.5 shots on target @ 1.97
And if you want to get slightly better odds from a Messi-themed market, shots on target could be the avenue to go down. Argentina’s main man registered four of them in the win vs Algeria, while Austria conceded four shots on target to Jordan. The selection looks like a no-brainer on the surface, and if you are feeling brave, Messi to register over 3.5 shots on target for the second consecutive game at World Cup 2026 is at odds of 8.60.
Argentina to win to nil – Yes @ 2.44
While a lot of the Argentina talk has rightly been about Messi, the team’s defensive unit has been a serious force in recent times. La Albiceleste conceded just four goals in their last 15 matches, keeping clean sheets in seven of the previous eight – and winning all eight.
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