Lionel Messi’s recent form in Argentina colours — he has five goals in the last four matches — makes it all the more necessary for coach Lionel Scaloni to start him. | Photo Credit: AP

Defending world champion Argentina could not have started its title defence on a better note: its captain Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, the team won the match and also secured a clean sheet.

That match saw the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner break multiple records in the tournament, including being the oldest one to net thrice in a World Cup match.

The Albiceleste are on an eight-match winning run while Ralf Rangnick’s side is on a six-match unbeaten run, making this Group J clash quite an even affair.

Will Messi start in Argentina vs Austria at the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Yes, Lionel Messi is likely to start for Argentina against Austria. The 38-year-old underwent full training before matchday minus one, according to local reports from the United States of America (USA).

Argentina is drawn alongside Jordan, Algeria, and Austria in the group stage, and the match against Rangnick’s team will be the sternest challenge for the World Cup holder in the first round.

Moreover, Messi’s recent form in Argentina colours — he has five goals in the last four matches — makes it all the more necessary for coach Lionel Scaloni to start him as this match can prove pivotal for the team’s progress into the knockouts.

Argentina’s predicted XI against Austria:

Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Thiago Almada.

Published on Jun 22, 2026