Record-breaking Messi steers Argentina to WC Last 32
by Kickoff Reporter · KickOffLionel Messi played a starring role once again for Argentina, who defeated Austria 2-0 to book their spot in the FIFA World Cup last 32 on Monday evening.
Fixture: Argentina v Austria
Score: 2-0
Goalscorers: Messi (38', 95)
The South American giants showed their wort in the opening game of the competition by thrashing Algeria, with captain Lionel Messi opening his campaign with a hat-trick while Austria opened their campaign with victory over Jordan.
The reigning champions could have got off to a perfect start being awarded a penalty after eight minutes for Stefan Posch's foul on Lautaro Martinez in the box. However, Messi stepped up but sent his spot-kick wide of the upright.
Messi had a chance to redeem himself just before the 20-minute mark after being slipped through on goal by Martinez, but Kevin Danso got back in time to take the ball off the Argentine skipper in the nick of time from eight yards out.
The Argentine captain eventually got his reward on 38 minutes when he got on the end of Facundo Medina's low cross and sent a fine finish into the back of the net, becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer with his 17th goal.
Second Half:
The Austrians carved out their first promising effort at goal ten minutes after the break when Marcel Sabitzer lined up a free-kick from outside the box and unleashed a curling effort that forced goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into a fine save.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was forced to make a change just before the hour mark as defender Cristian Romero was unable to continue after picking up an injury, as he made way for veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi.
The South Americans should have doubled their lead advantage with around 20 minutes left on the clock when Messi sent a teasing corner into the box that found an un-marked Nicolas Gonzalez, who sent his header wide of the upright.
Messi would go on to make the points safe in second-half stoppage time when he bagged his second goal by showing great determination to bundle the ball home from close-range to seal his nation's spot in the knockout round.