Pre-matchMonday, June 22

Albiceleste hunting knockout berth against Austria's Red Wall

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Argentina can book their place in the last 32 with a win over Austria in a Group J clash that pits Messi's architects against Rangnick's high-octane press — the Albiceleste heavy favourites despite the underdogs' own perfect start.

The market makes Argentina overwhelming favourites, and 63 of 74 poolsters agree — but three brave souls have backed Austria's smash-and-grab, and eight fence-sitters called the stalemate.

What's at stake

Both sides sit on three points after opening-day wins — Argentina's 3-0 demolition of Algeria, Austria's gritty 2-0 takedown of Jordan — but the Albiceleste hold top spot on goal difference. A win for Lionel Scaloni's men secures passage to the Round of 32 with a game to spare, while even a draw keeps them firmly in the driver's seat. Austria, meanwhile, know that victory would hand them control of the group and likely set up a winner-takes-all finale against Jordan. Lose, and Ralf Rangnick's side will need favours on the final matchday.

The key battle: Messi's orchestra vs Rangnick's chaos

This is a clash of philosophies. Argentina want to strangle you with possession — Lionel Messi dropping deep to orchestrate, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez making runs in behind — while Austria's gegenpressing machine thrives on chaos, hunting turnovers high up the pitch and sprinting into the space you've left behind. The fulcrum will be Austria's midfield terriers, Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer, trying to deny Messi and Rodrigo De Paul time on the ball. If the Austrians can disrupt Argentina's rhythm and force errors, Marko Arnautović and Christoph Baumgartner have the pace to punish on the counter. But if Messi finds his pockets of space — as he did against Algeria — Austria's high line could be carved open.

Team news and expected lineups

Argentina are expected to field an unchanged XI from their opening win: Dibu Martínez in goal, Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi at centre-back, and the front three of Messi, Álvarez, and Martínez leading the charge. Ángel Di María remains a potent option off the bench. Austria, too, are likely to stick with the side that beat Jordan — David Alaba marshalling the back line, Sabitzer and Laimer bossing midfield, and Arnautović the lone striker. No fresh injury concerns for either camp, meaning Scaloni and Rangnick can both pick from full-strength squads.

What the odds say

The bookmakers have Argentina as clear favourites, reflecting both their pedigree and their group-topping form. The consensus line suggests the Albiceleste are expected to edge this one, likely by a single goal or two — a 2-1 or 2-0 scoreline the most popular shout among punters and poolsters alike. Austria are given a puncher's chance, especially if they can force early mistakes and turn the game into a track meet, but the smart money is firmly on Messi and company to make it two wins from two.

▸Sources (32)