Messi brace fires Argentina into knockout stage after Austria win
Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria in their Group J encounter in Arlington, Texas, booking a place in the tournament's round of 32.
The 38-year-old forward Lionel Messi scored both goals for the South Americans, striking in the 38th minute and deep into stoppage time at 90+5. The three-time world champions advanced despite an early setback when Messi missed a penalty kick in the ninth minute.
Tournament scoring race
With this double, Messi leads the tournament’s scoring charts with five goals.
Canada’s Jonathan David and Germany’s Deniz Undav follow the Argentine captain in the rankings, having scored three goals each.
Argentina will face Jordan on June 28 in their final group stage match.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
