Argentina vs. Austria: US Viewers Can Watch Lionel Messi Chase World Cup Record
June 24, 2026 · Global
Lionel Messi is on the verge of becoming the World Cup's all-time top scorer as Argentina prepares to face Austria in the tournament. After scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, Messi only needs one more goal to break the record.
At the age of 38, Messi scored a hat-trick to open Argentina's 2026 World Cup match. Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images. For more than a dozen years, Miroslav Klose held the sole record for most men's World Cup goals with 16 goals. And with just one brilliant move, Lionel Messi put himself on equal footing with the legendary German player. Fresh from scoring an inspiring hat-trick in Argentina's opener against Algeria, Messi can claim the title of historic goalscorer with another goal on Monday. He will have the opportunity to make history on American soil, two days before his 39th birthday. Here's how US viewers can watch Argentina's match against Austria on television. How to watch Argentina vs. Austria * Venue: AT&T Stadium — Arlington, Texas (Dallas Stadium) * Date: Monday, June 22 * Time: 1 pm ET * TV: Fox and Telemundo * Streaming (US): Fubo. Fox and Telemundo are available for free on the air. Fox is also available with a Fox One subscription. Telemundo is also available with a Peacock subscription. Defending champions Argentina started the World Cup in style, picking up a 3-0 win against Algeria. Those present in Kansas City witnessed Messi's performance at the end of his career. He scored the first goal in the 17th minute with a left foot laser shot from outside the penalty box. Then, he calmly netted the ball from Alexis Mac Allister's ricochet in the 60th minute. The third goal was scored in the 76th minute, assisted by Nico González and curled into the bottom corner. Is Lionel Messi still the best player in the world? Felipe Cardenas and Madison Eades. The last country to successfully defend its World Cup title was Brazil in 1962, but Argentina's bid for back-to-back titles started strongly. Despite clearly losing out in terms of prestige, their opponents still have reason to be confident after successfully breaking a 36-year World Cup win drought. Austria earned three Group J points on Wednesday by beating Jordan 3-1 in Santa Clara, California. Romano Schmid opened the scoring with a spectacular goal in the 21st minute. The Austrians increased their lead late in the match with Jordan's own goal in the 76th minute and Marko Arnautovic's penalty in added time. More on Messi's place in history The three goals he scored against Algeria were the 11th hat-trick of Messi's international career and his first in this tournament. Even more impressive, he scored the hat-trick exactly 20 years after his first goal in the World Cup. In addition to tying the all-time goalscoring record, Messi also surpassed Pelé for most goal contributions at a World Cup with 24. Messi is the only player to have won multiple Golden Ball awards, which are given to the best player of the tournament. He did so when Argentina finished runners-up in 2014 and again in their title bid in 2022. However, the eternal star has never claimed the Golden Boot for top scorer. There will be plenty of reasons to celebrate if Messi scores his 17th World Cup goal on Monday. However, he should also look back at Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, who has scored 14 goals in his career at the age of 27. Mbappé scored twice in France's opener against Senegal which ended 3-1. The next game is on Monday at 5pm ET against Iraq.