Argentina and Austria meet for top spot in Group J

Argentina face Austria on Monday at AT&T Stadium in a Group J match that could decide who finishes top of the section.

Messi is again the centre of attention. After scoring the first hat-trick of his World Cup career, he now sits top of the tournament’s all-time scoring chart and has a chance to extend that record.

Argentina head into the game after a 3-0 win over Algeria and have looked well organised at the back. They have conceded only once in their last eight matches and have scored at least twice in seven straight games. Their previous outing featured limited time in the opposition box and the attacking third, but their defensive shape kept Algeria from creating clear chances.

Austria beat Jordan 3-1, though the performance was less convincing than the scoreline suggests. Ralph Rangnick’s side rely on intense pressing and compact spacing, and they will look to force mistakes high up the pitch.

Argentina still appear the stronger side on paper, with Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez adding threat alongside Messi.