Soccer
Argentina vs. Austria player ratings: Albiceleste icon leads the way after 2-0 win
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Lionel Messi shook off an early penalty miss to score both goals in Argentina's 2–0 victory, becoming the all-time leading World Cup scorer with 18 goals.
His 38th-minute opener broke Miroslav Klose's record before a stoppage-time strike sealed qualification for the knockout rounds. Austria defended resolutely for long stretches but lacked the quality to trouble Argentina's lead.
DAZN News rates each set of players and our player of the match:
Argentina vs. Austria Player of the Match
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi produced a match-defining display despite sending an early penalty wide of the right post. He responded with a precise first-time finish from Facundo Medina's cross to open the scoring in the 38th minute, then converted from close range at 90+5' after Julián Álvarez's shot was saved.
His brace secured Argentina's knockout qualification and extended his World Cup record to 18 goals.
Argentina vs. Austria Player Ratings
Argentina
Emiliano Martínez (7.2): Clean sheet preserved with a sharp save from Sabitzer's free kick.
Nahuel Molina (6.7): Provided width on the right but delivery into the box was inconsistent.
Cristian Romero (6.8): Made a crucial block on Sabitzer before departing with discomfort at 57'.
Lisandro Martínez (7.0): Steady defensive anchor who won aerial duels and played out confidently.
Facundo Medina (7.1): Delivered the assist for Messi's opener before cramp forced his exit.
Rodrigo De Paul (6.8): Pressed hard and linked play but required treatment for a knee knock.
Alexis Mac Allister (6.9): Kept Argentina ticking with quick passing combinations through midfield.
Enzo Fernández (7.6): Controlled the tempo and forced two blocks with curling efforts from distance.
Thiago Almada (7.0): Clever dummy allowed Medina's cross to reach Messi for the opener.
Lionel Messi (9.2): Scored both goals to become the all-time leading World Cup scorer.
Lautaro Martínez (6.7): Won the penalty and pressed diligently without finding a goal himself.
Nicolás Otamendi (6.7): Slotted in at centre-back and helped protect the clean sheet.
Julián Álvarez (7.0): Forced a brilliant Schlager save that led directly to Messi's second.
Nico González (6.8): Active on the left but headed a clear chance wide from Messi's corner.
Leandro Paredes (6.3): Helped see out the match but picked up a late yellow card.
Nicolás Tagliafico (6.4): Provided defensive cover at left-back in limited closing minutes.
Austria
Alexander Schlager (7.1): Brilliant one-on-one save on Álvarez but beaten twice by Messi.
Stefan Posch (5.9): Struggled defensively and was booked before being substituted at 68'.
Kevin Danso (6.9): Austria's best defender with two vital blocks on Fernández and González.
David Alaba (6.5): Captained the backline and cleared off the line before being withdrawn.
Konrad Laimer (6.2): Booked for dissent and unable to contain Argentina's left-sided attacks.
Xaver Schlager (6.4): Competed in midfield but involved in the penalty challenge on Martínez.
Nicolas Seiwald (6.3): Functional in possession but struggled to disrupt Argentina's rhythm.
Paul Wanner (6.3): Showed involvement between the lines before making way at 68'.
Romano Schmid (6.2): Limited impact on the right wing with minimal service in the final third.
Marcel Sabitzer (6.7): Austria's main threat with a blocked shot and a saved free kick.
Michael Gregoritsch (6.2): Won an aerial duel but headed over from inside the box.
Marco Friedl (6.6): Made a crucial block on Messi's shot at 90+5' after coming on.
Alexander Prass (6.2): Offered overlapping runs down the left without creating clear chances.
Marko Arnautovic (6.0): Physical presence but rarely received service in dangerous areas.
Patrick Wimmer (6.1): Headed Austria's best late chance wide from a set-piece at 90+3'.
Carney Chukwuemeka (6.0): Final substitute with minimal time to influence proceedings.
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