World Cup: Lautaro plays in Argentina win

Argentina made it two wins from two matches, securing qualification for the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Named in the starting line-up by Lionel Scaloni, Lautaro Martinez played 64 minutes before being replaced by Julian Alvarez.

Once again, it was an extraordinary performance from Lionel Messi that proved decisive against Austria. The Argentine star scored both goals, taking his tally at this World Cup to five. In doing so, he moved clear at the top of the competition’s all-time scoring charts with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16.

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However, the match did not begin particularly well for Argentina’s number 10. Messi missed a penalty after just nine minutes, awarded following a foul on Lautaro. He made amends in the 38th minute with a trademark finish, arriving to meet Medina’s cross and beating Schlager at his near post with a first-time side-footed effort. He then sealed the victory in stoppage time at the second attempt after his initial shot was blocked.

Argentina now sit on six points in Group J and will round off their group-stage campaign against Jordan at 04:00 CEST on Sunday 28 June.