Will Lionel Messi play tonight for Argentina vs Austria in FIFA World Cup 2026?

Messi opened his World Cup 2026 campaign with a hat-trick.

Will Lionel Messi, the hat-trick hero, return to action tonight when Argentina face Austria in their second Group J encounter in Dallas, United States?

Messi demonstrated that age is only a number. He surprised the world with some more brilliance against Algeria in Kansas City. The 38-year-old, who is making his sixth World Cup appearance, scored all three goals as Argentina comfortably defeated their North African opponents.

Austria should provide stiffer competition for the South American heavyweights after Ralf Rangnick’s team defeated Jordan in their first group encounter.

Both teams travel to Kansas City knowing that a win will almost guarantee their spot in the knockout stages.

Argentina had their pre-match training session early Sunday at its Kansas City camp, with the media allowed to observe the first 15 minutes. Coach Lionel Scaloni appears to have a complete team available. Players who suffered minor ailments have healed.

Will Lionel Messi play tonight?

Yes, Lionel Messi will play tonight. He will be motivated to demonstrate another match-winning performance as defending champions look to book their spot in the knockout stage.

Lionel Messi led Argentina‘s championship defence with a hat-trick in their tournament’s first encounter, tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the most World Cup goals.

His three goals were his first hat-trick in a FIFA competition. The Argentinian superstar also had one attempt thrown out for offside. He currently has 16 World Cup goals.

The renowned Argentine number 10, who spent most of his professional career in Spain with FC Barcelona before joining French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), now plays in Major League Soccer for Inter Miami.

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