FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi shares training pictures ahead of Argentina's clash against Austria
Kansas City, June 22
Argentina captain Lionel Messi shared pictures from the team's training session ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group-stage clash against Austria on Monday.
Taking to Instagram, Messi posted a series of images featuring himself and his Argentina teammates as they prepared for their second match of the tournament.
The post comes after Messi delivered a sensational performance in Argentina's opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, leading the defending champions to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria with a hat-trick.
The Argentine skipper opened the scoring with a powerful long-range effort before doubling the lead with a poacher's finish following a rebound. He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a composed curling strike to seal the win for the defending champions.
The hat-trick was Messi's first in FIFA World Cup history and saw him draw level with Germany's Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest scorer in men's World Cup history with 16 goals. The milestone came just days before Messi's 39th birthday and exactly 20 years after he scored his first World Cup goal in 2006.
The hat-trick also saw Messi surpass legends, including Gerd Muller and Brazil's Ronaldo, on the all-time World Cup scoring list.
The Argentine captain had already entered the record books before kick-off as the first player to appear in six World Cups.
Making his 200th appearance for Argentina, Messi produced a vintage display of creativity, control and finishing to guide La Albiceleste to a convincing victory.
Argentina will next face Austria in Dallas on Monday, June 22 (local time), while Algeria are scheduled to take on Jordan in San Francisco.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian football fan, seeing Messi break Klose's record feels surreal. But Austria is no pushover—they've got a solid defense. Let's hope Argentina doesn't get complacent. Also, shoutout to the FIFA World Cup being in the US—hope to catch a match someday!
Messi's longevity is incredible. 200 caps for Argentina and still the best player on the pitch. That first goal against Algeria was vintage—no one else can curl it from 30 yards like that. Austria will need a miracle to stop him.
I'm not a huge football fan, but even I know Messi is special. It's amazing how he's still doing this at 39—must be that strict diet and discipline. Hope India learns from such athletes! 🇮🇳⚽
While Messi's hat-trick was brilliant, let's not forget it was against Algeria, who are decent but not top-tier. Austria will be a tougher test—they've got players like Sabitzer and Alaba who can control the midfield. Argentina's defense looked shaky at times; they need to tighten up.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.