Having picked up maximum points against Algeria and Austria, the reigning world champions are guaranteed to avoid a third-place finish. As things stand, a first or second-place finish means Argentina will square off against the runner-up of Group H, a spot currently occupied by Uruguay.

When asked to rank his absolute favourite goal from his unparalleled World Cup career or describe the feeling of breaking the record, the master goalscorer could only smile through the exhaustion.

Lionel Messi rewrote World Cup history with a brace against Austria on Monday night as Argentina secured a 2-0 win and booked their place in the Round of 32. In the process, Messi also became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Relive the unbridled emotion of a night built for footballing royalty.

The player widely regarded as the greatest of all time pounced late in the first half in Texas with a trademark left-footed finish after neat build-up play.

The conversation with his father carried special significance. Ahmed Shoubir, a former Egypt international, was part of the squad that competed at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where Egypt’s wait for a World Cup win continued.

All eyes will be on Kylian Mbappe when France face Iraq in their second Group I match on Monday, with the Real Madrid superstar set to make his 100th appearance for Les Bleus and continue his pursuit of World Cup history.

The 38-year-old maestro broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, capping off a sleek team move with a precise, clinical finish into the bottom corner.

Players from both sides were allowed to watch selected World Cup matches on mobile phones, with the global tournament serving as inspiration.

Now Lionel Scaloni's assistant with Argentina, Aimar enjoys a unique place within the world champions' set-up. Not only was he Messi's childhood hero, but he has also had a front-row seat to the captain's extraordinary journey since joining the national team's coaching staff in 2018.

It’s basic math. A World Cup rolls around every four years. The arrival of a firstborn happens exactly once.

Day 12 action delivered unforgettable match moments. But the true spirit of the tournament lives in the stands; thousands of passionate fans have flooded the host stadiums, bringing a kaleidoscope of color, energy, and unbridled emotion.

When Argentina take on Austria in their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J clash in Dallas tonight, Lionel Messi will have the chance to emulate one of Diego Maradona’s most memorable feats in the famous Albiceleste jersey.

Schlotterbeck, a starting centre-back, was injured early in the game and was replaced at halftime by Antonio Ruediger. A scan on Sunday revealed the player had torn a ligament in his left ankle.

Standing in their way is an Austrian side energised by Ralf Rangnick's demanding philosophy, one built on intensity, pressing and chaos.

He will become the 10th French player to reach a century of caps, but is still a long way away from the record of 145 appearances held by his former teammate, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The Argentine coach also questioned the modern interpretation of intensity, arguing that tactical awareness and defensive organisation are often more important than constant physical exertion.

Scaloni’s comments came after Uruguay coach and former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa also criticised the breaks, arguing that they affect the cultural identity of football.

A fringe player before the tournament, Zico is quickly emerging as one of Egypt's standout performers.

Conceicao on Sunday there was no was question of players feeling obliged to pass to Ronaldo if other team-mates were in better attacking positions.