Lionel Messi delivered a stunning hat‑trick as Argentina secured a 3‑0 victory over Algeria in the 2026 World Cup group stage, a performance that not only cemented a crucial win but also propelled the veteran forward back to the summit of World Cup history.
Betting outlook for the Austria clash
SportsLine’s top soccer editor Brandt Sutton, a former collegiate player who has held the position since 2017, projects Argentina as heavy favorites at -230 against Austria. The over/under for total goals is set at 2.5, reflecting expectations of a high‑scoring encounter.
Sutton’s betting portfolio, profitable across the Premier League, Bundesliga and other top leagues since 2025, highlights Messi at +105 to find the net, +135 to register an assist, and -110 to record two or more shots on target.
Historical milestones and current form
The hat‑trick against Algeria tied Messi with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup goals, now standing at 16, while his 120 international appearances include 39 World Cup goals. He also holds the all‑time record for international assists with 61, having added seven assists in 14 matches for Inter Miami this season.
Argentina’s recent run is equally impressive, with the team scoring two or more goals in each of their last seven matches. Austria, meanwhile, survived a tight 3‑1 win over Jordan, conceding 11 shots, four of which were on target.
The upcoming match in Vienna will be more than a group‑stage fixture; it will test whether Messi can extend his record‑breaking tally against a resilient Austrian side that has already shown it can grind out results despite defensive lapses.