Austria (1-0) and Argentina (1-0) will face off today at 1:00 p.m. EDT at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Argentina is favored at a -175 price, with the over/under set at 2.5 (-106o / -120u) goals.
Let's get into my Argentina vs Austria prediction.
Argentina vs Austria Prediction
Best Bet: Lionel Messi to Score
My Austria vs. Argentina best bet is for Lionel Messi to score. The Argentine captain is in remarkable form and looks poised to find the net once again.
Argentina vs Austria Odds
| Austria Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 +130 | 2.5 -106o / -120u | +500 |
| Argentina Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -182 | 2.5 -106o / -120u | -175 |
Argentina vs Austria Betting Analysis
Argentina’s title defense began flawlessly with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria. The performance was a testament to their all-around strength. While Messi’s goals captured the headlines, the midfield, led by Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, controlled the game's tempo with remarkable efficiency. Defensively, Lionel Scaloni's squad was just as formidable, limiting Algeria to a meager 0.32 xG and securing their 12th clean sheet in their last 17 matches.
This defensive solidity will be crucial against an Austrian team that is in excellent form. Austria has lost only one of their last 12 matches and possesses a potent attack, averaging 2.67 goals per game during that stretch. While they are expected to concede possession to Argentina, their threat from set-pieces and long-range shooting cannot be underestimated. This match will be Argentina’s first against European competition since the 2022 final, making it an important test for the reigning champions.
Historically, these two nations have not met often, with their last encounter being a friendly in 1990. Argentina has a vast and successful history against European teams in this tournament, holding a positive record with 23 wins, 18 draws, and 17 losses in 58 games. Austria, meanwhile, has a balanced record against South American opponents. Given Argentina's defensive strength and Messi's offensive brilliance, they appear well-equipped to handle the Austrian challenge and take another step toward the knockout stages.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your Austria vs Argentina picks.
Argentina vs Austria Picks
- Lionel Messi to Score (+105)
- Lionel Messi to Score First (+300)
Many questioned if Lionel Messi could maintain his elite level after moving to MLS, but his performance against Algeria in the opening match silenced all doubts. He scored a magnificent hat-trick — his first one in World Cups — demonstrating that his goal-scoring instincts are as sharp as ever. Before the tournament, he was on fire for Inter Miami, netting 13 goals in 16 appearances, proving he is still a clinical finisher.
In that first game, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was a constant threat. He opened the scoring just 17 minutes in with a classic left-footed strike from outside the box. His statistics from the match were impressive: 57 touches, seven progressive carries, and six shots totaling an expected goals (xG) of 1.05. Even at 38, Messi remains a unique talent that Austria’s defense will find incredibly difficult to contain.
His hat-trick brought his goal tally in the competition's history to 16, tying him with Miroslav Klose (Germany) for the all-time record. A goal against Austria would make him the undisputed top scorer. Given his history, betting on him to score first also offers significant value. In the 11 tournament matches where Messi has scored, nine of his goals were the opening goal of the game. He started fast against Algeria, and if he brings that same intensity, he is a strong candidate to be the first player on the scoresheet again.
Argentina vs Austria Projected Lineups
Austria Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Argentina Projected Lineup (4-3-3)
