Lionel Messi was the great figure in the victory of the Argentine team over Austria. Author of the two goals that sealed qualification to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, the captain highlighted the importance of the result, acknowledged that the match was more complex than expected and regretted the missed penalty.
“I’m very happy. It was a long-suffering, hard-fought victory. I hope it gives us peace of mind for what is to come.. It is a very even World Cup. “We are happy for the classification,” said the man from Rosario at a press conference.
Messi was decisive in unlocking a match that at times was difficult for Lionel Scaloni’s team. In fact, The captain recognized that Austria managed to make Argentina uncomfortable in some passages.
“It was within our plans to be able to get the two victories, but They are very even matches. There was a lot of intensity. At times it was difficult for us to have possession. They didn’t hurt us, but it was a very tight and intense game.. “You had to play very fast,” analyzed the Argentine star.
And he added: “The important thing was the classification. We are Argentina and we will always look for matches against any rival. “We have to show it on the field.”
The forward also referred to his personal performance. Although he scored the two winning goals and reached a new historical mark in the World Cupshe avoided dwelling on records and preferred to focus on the present.
“I don’t remember if I have a favorite goal (of the 18 he scored from Germany 2006 onwards). I’m tired, it’s hard for me to think. I’m enjoying this moment and I’m looking forward to returning to my teammates,” he expressed.
Regarding the five goals he has accumulated in the current World Cup, he highlighted the way in which his conquests came, although he did not hide his annoyance at the failed execution from the twelve steps. “They performed spectacularly. It’s a shame about the penalty I missed. one never knows. “We are happy for the result and for what we achieved,” he said.
Later, he returned to that action and admitted that he finished the first half with mixed feelings. “I was angry because I missed the penalty. I kicked it very badly, but we were able to reverse the situation”he stated.
Finally, Messi highlighted the team’s commitment and assured that the group maintains the hope of continuing to advance in the tournament. “We all experience these games as something special. The entire team lives it like this, now and throughout our time, when we get together for competitions or friendlies.. We enjoy competing, training and making people happy,” he explained.
With qualification assured and after a new decisive performance by its captain, the Argentine team is already thinking about the next challenges. “We will try to continue in this dynamic, in this harmony. It is step by step, this is long and difficult. I enjoy every moment on the field”concluded the captain.
Jordan wait for the world champion, who dreams of defending the title. The meeting, corresponding to date 3, is scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at 11 p.m. (Argentine time) at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, United States.
A fundamental triumph
With this victory, Argentina was first in Group J, classified to 16th and added a new decisive performance by its captain. A few days after the 39 years old, Messi not only continues to be the football leader of the world champion, but also continues to expand a record collection which seems to have no roof.
When the game seemed to be heading into halftime without goals, the captain appeared. At 38 minutes, Facundo Medina He reached the bottom on the left and sent a pass back. Thiago Almada He let the ball pass intelligently and Messi appeared in the center to finish first, left-footed and at the near post.
In the complement, Austria again advanced its lines and forced Argentina to defend closer to Emiliano Martínez. The goalkeeper responded with a great save after a free kick from Marcel Sabitzer and maintained the advantage at the most delicate moment of the match. Scaloni refreshed the team with the income from Nicolas Otamendi, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Tagliafico to protect the result.
Already in added time, a counterattack led by Messi finished off the game. Álvarez was left hand in hand with the goalkeeper who rejected his shot and, after a combination with WallsMessi appeared once again to convert the 2-0 final after a new rebound from the goalkeeper.
