Enzo Fernandez helped Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina make it two wins from their first two matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, guaranteeing they will progress to the knockout stages with a game to spare.
Just as in Argentina’s first game of the tournament – a 3-0 win over Algeria – and when they triumphed at the last World Cup four years ago, Fernandez resumed his midfield partnership with Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister at the heart of the team.
The Chelsea man was heavily involved from the off, when a slick team move nearly provided an opportunity for an early Argentina opener inside five minutes, but Lautaro Martinez was quickly swarmed by sliding challenges from two Austria defenders.
However, the chance was not gone. Following a lengthy VAR review, it was deemed Martinez was fouled and Messi stepped up to the penalty spot. Against all expectations, Argentina’s legendary captain, who netted a hat-trick last time out, sent his effort wide from 12 yards.
Although it hadn’t provided the opening goal, that moment certainly raised the temperature inside the stadium in Dallas, as the first-half resumed at a frantic tempo, both teams fiercely contesting every ball and attempting to attack at speed.
The closest any player came during that period was Messi threatening to run through with a clever swivel in the box midway through the first-half, but Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager was able to save with his legs.
Fernandez was almost in himself not long later, having continued his run into the box after starting a move out on the left touchline. Messi tried to find Enzo with a lovely first-time flick, but the keeper was quick off his line and just able to get to the ball first, before Fernandez could pounce.
It was a sign that the defending champions were coming into the game more and before half-time Argentina did have their opener, and Messi had his 17th World Cup goal to surpass Miroslav Klose as the competition’s all-time top scorer. It was a fine way to do so too, placing a first-time finish into the bottom corner from Facundo Medina’s low cross.
The intensity had briefly dropped at the end of the first half, but it was straight back at the start of the second as Austria, who had also won their opening game against Jordan, fought to find a way back into this match, testing Emiliano Martinez from a free-kick before long.
Argentina gradually reasserted their dominance again, though, as Fernandez had one venomous shot from just outside the box charged down. The midfielder was now pushing into more advanced positions regularly as his team began to enjoy themselves, even if their advantage remained a narrow one.
They managed to weather any pressure Austria could apply during the last 20 minutes, with Martinez largely untested in goal, before Messi popped up again deep into added time. It was less easy on the eye this time around, as he forced the ball through a wall of Austria defenders on the line at the second attempt – after Julian Alvarez’s initial effort had been blocked – to make the final score 2-0. The Albiceleste have now managed five goals across their two games at this tournament, all of them netted by Messi.
With six points, Argentina’s progress to the last 32 is now guaranteed and they will be confirmed as group winners if Jordan fail to beat Algeria in the day’s final game. The winner of Group J will play the second-placed team from Group H – currently Uruguay – in Miami in the next round.
