World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Austria line-ups - Lautaro Martinez starts with Messi

Inter striker Lautaro Martinez leads the line with Lionel Messi as Argentina face Austria in the 2026 World Cup with a head-to-head for the top of Group J.

It kicks off in Dallas at 18.00 UK time (19.00 CEST, 12.00 local time).

This will be a head-to-head to see who wins the group, as Argentina opened with a 3-0 victory over Algeria thanks to the Messi hat-trick, while Austria pushed Jordan aside 3-1 in their first game.

Whoever gets the three points today will practically book their place in the Round of 32.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez will be hoping for his first goal of the tournament, as he again partners Messi upfront in Lionel Scaloni’s side, with Como talent Nico Paz on the bench.

The only change from the first game is ex-Udinese full-back Nahuel Molina in for Gonzalo Montiel.

As they seek to retain the World Cup trophy, they also mark the 40th anniversary of Diego Armando Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal against England at the 1986 World Cup.

Austria are safe in the knowledge they locked down coach Ralf Rangnick, who had been approached by Milan to take over as their new technical director.

Instead, he signed a new contract and will remain in charge of their national team going forward.

Ex-Inter striker Marko Arnautovic is still going strong at age 37, while Venezia defender Michael Svoboda recently earned promotion to Serie A.

Both are on the bench, but Como-owned defender Stefan Posch starts.

Argentina: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martinez

Austria: A Schlager; Danso, Posch, Alaba; Laimer, Seiwald, X Schlager, Wanner; Sabitzer; Schmid, Gregoritsch