Argentina continues unstoppable in the United States, Canada and Mexico 2026 World Cup. On Tuesday night, Lionel Scaloni’s team thrashed Austria 2-0 in Dallas, with a stellar performance from Lionel Messi who not only scored both goals but also became the all-time top scorer in World Cup history, surpassing Miroslav Klose with 18 goals. The Albiceleste showed class and made it clear they are title contenders. Here are the player ratings for the Argentine squad in this rout.
Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez (8): The Aston Villa goalkeeper responded confidently whenever called upon, although Austria did not create much danger. Solid between the posts.
Nahuel Molina (6): The Atlético Madrid full-back rarely ventured forward and defended firmly. He struggled a bit more in the first half but did not allow clear goal-scoring chances.
Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero (7): The Tottenham center-back played 56 minutes and responded well, though he raised alarms early in the second half and was replaced by Nicolás Otamendi at Scaloni’s decision.
Lisandro Martínez (7): The most solid of the central defensive duo. ‘Licha’ faced no scares and responded every time he was attacked.
Facundo Medina (8): Not only did he provide the assist for Messi’s goal, but he was also key in defense on the left. A complete performance from the former River Plate player.
Enzo Fernández (8): The Chelsea midfielder was one of the best in the midfield. With through balls and link-up play with Messi and Lautaro Martínez, he created constant danger.
Alexis Mac Allister (9): The most solid in defense. The Liverpool midfielder was one of the best on the team, recovering and distributing the ball intelligently.
Rodrigo De Paul (7): He was again the team’s ‘little engine,’ though he had less involvement in key plays than in the debut against Algeria.
Thiago Almada (7): The Atlético Madrid midfielder linked up well with Messi and even participated in the goal play, spreading his legs to let the ball pass after Medina’s assist.
Lionel Messi (10): The Rosario star missed a penalty but did not crumble. He regrouped, created play, led the team to victory, and scored a wonder goal. Additionally, he became the all-time top scorer in World Cup history. Simply out of this world.
Lautaro Martínez (6): The ‘Toro’ did not have a great day; he was imprecise and could not score. Scaloni replaced him in the second half with Nicolás González.
Nicolás Otamendi (6): Came on for Romero and was one of the best players coming off the bench.
Julián Álvarez (6): Did not change the equation but had a good game.
Nicolás González (6): Among those who came on, he was the most incisive and dangerous.
Argentina remains firm on its path. With Messi in record mode and a solid team, the dream of a back-to-back World Cup title is more alive than ever. The next challenge will be against Jordan, and the Albiceleste promises to keep putting on a show.
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Para mí Messi es el más grande y punto, no me vengan con el zurdo de Maradona que era un falopero. Esto huele a progres que quieren manchar a un fenómeno argentino de verdad. Vamos Argentina carajo, a romperla toda.
Para mí es una joda que sigan aplaudiendo a Messi mientras los laburantes se mueren de hambre. Esto huele a cortina de humo del sistema. Yo creo que hay que mandar todo al carajo, la FIFA y los millonarios. ¡A romper el capitalismo de una vez! MESSI = BURGUÉS.