Argentina got their title defence up and running while banishing memories of their nightmare start to the 2022 World Cup with a Lionel Messi -inspired mauling of Algeria . The South American giants were stunned 2-1 by Saudi Arabia in their opening match four years ago but rallied to win their third world title.
There were no such hiccups for the Argentina World Cup 2026 squad, with Messi netting his maiden World Cup hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium, with Austria next in crosshairs for the Albiceleste and their evergreen talisman.
Messi needs just one more goal to become the all-time record scorer at finals after joining Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 , and we’re backing him to do it on Monday. Our Argentina vs Austria prediction is for Messi to score the opening goal in a 2-0 Argentina win @ 14/1.
Lionel Messi to score & Argentina to win 2-0 @ 14/1
Betting Odds
Argentina vs Austria Betting Odds – 2026 World Cup
Result | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Argentina | 11/20 | 64.5% |
Austria | 5/1 | 16.7% |
Draw | 11/4 | 26.7% |
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
Argentina are 11/20 favourites to beat Austria , who are 5/1 for the win, with the draw at 11/4.
How to Watch
How to watch Argentina vs Austria
The World Cup Group J match is scheduled to begin at 6pm on Monday and will be shown live on BBC1 .
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Form Guides
Argentina form guide
The Argentina World Cup warm-up results have been as similarly impressive as their qualifying campaign, where Lionel Scaloni’s team finished a massive nine points clear . They have reeled off seven friendly wins out of seven since last October, keeping six clean sheets in the process, and recorded several of those victories without the services of Messi .
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is now fit and firing though and he has already set the competition alight in what will be his final World Cup . The 38-year-old is 4/1 to net at least twice against the Austrians in what would be his 201st international appearance , although he is not the only goal threat Argentina pose and Lautaro Martinez ( 5/4 to score at any time ), Julian Alvarez (11/8) and Nico Paz (9/4) will be seeking to open their accounts.
Enzo Fernandez is also coming off a prolific goalscoring season with Chelsea and, with the Austria defence no doubt planning on paying extra special attention to Messi , we think the reported Real Madrid target could capitalise and him to score at 7/2 is among our World Cup tips today.
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Austria form guide
Austria marked their first World Cup appearance since 1998 by beating Jordan 3-1 in California, Romano Schmid and Marko Arnautovic netting either side of an own goal. That was Austria’s fourth successive win in 2026 following friendly victories over Ghana, South Korea and Tunisia, during which run they have only conceded two goals.
Austria’s defence was a key feature of their dominant qualifying showing as well, shipping only four goals in eight games as they finished top of Group H, and Ralf Rangnick ’s well-organised side won’t make life easy for the holders in Texas.
Argentina to win after drawing at half-time @ 16/5 is another of our World Cup Tips today, as is under 3.5 goals in total @ 3/10.
Betting Tips
Messi to score first & Argentina win 2-0 @ 14/1
Lautaro Martinez to score at any time @ 5/4
Argentina to win after drawing at half-time @ 16/5
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