Argentina and Austria clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas this afternoon with Group J top spot on the line.
Lionel Messi arrives one goal away from outright World Cup history, and the reigning champions are clear favourites to make it six points from six.
Here are the best bets, top goalscorer pick and BetOnline odds for the 1 p.m. ET kickoff.
Covers Argentina vs Austria Best Bets Summary
- Messi Anytime Goalscorer -105
- Argentina to Win -190
- Over 2.5 Goals +100
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Covers Argentina vs Austria Prediction: Lionel Messi Anytime Goalscorer -105
There is no more compelling individual prop on Monday’s slate. Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria on Matchday 1 lifted him level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup scoring charts on 16 goals. One more this afternoon puts him there alone.
The underlying numbers from the Algeria game make the case just as strongly as the scoresheet.
Messi took six shots, more than the rest of Argentina’s attacking starters combined, and converted three with the kind of ruthless precision that separates him from every other player in this tournament.
He has now found the net in five of his last seven international appearances and has been decisive across multiple different game states.
Austria’s defensive record going into this fixture is not without merit. David Alaba leads a back line that is well-organised and physically capable. But their Matchday 1 win over Jordan papered over several cracks.
They needed an own goal to take the lead and a stoppage-time penalty to reach 3-1, while missing three of their four big chances.
The structure Ralf Rangnick sets up is likely to make Argentina work, which means Messi will take plenty of shots rather than fewer. At -105, this is the pick of the card.
Covers Argentina vs Austria Prediction: Argentina -190
Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria was more controlled than many gave it credit for. Lionel Scaloni’s side held their opponents to zero shots on target and just 14 touches inside the penalty area across 90 minutes.
Their defensive shape was excellent throughout, and the clinical nature of their attacking play meant the scoreline was never threatened despite an expected goals figure of just 1.3.
Austria’s attacking output in their opener tells a different story. They generated 0.39 expected goals against Jordan, a side they should have overwhelmed, and only turned a tight game into a convincing scoreline through fortunate late moments.
Marcel Sabitzer carries genuine quality in midfield and Romano Schmid offers creativity going forward, but translating that into sustained pressure against Argentina’s backline is a different challenge entirely.
Argentina have conceded just once in their last eight international matches. The -190 moneyline on BetOnline is fair price for a side of their defensive and attacking quality against this level of opposition. Do not go past -200.
Covers Argentina vs Austria Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals +100
Austria will come forward. Rangnick’s philosophy demands it. His teams press aggressively high up the pitch and look to win the ball in dangerous areas.
That approach generated 40 turnovers for Algeria against Argentina, 12 of which were classified as high turnovers in the final third. If Austria can replicate that disruption, they create the conditions for at least a brief foothold in the match.
The problem is that Argentina’s forward line does not need many chances to score. Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez both pose a constant threat in the channels and the penalty area, giving Messi room to operate slightly deeper before arriving into space.
Three goals or more is a realistic outcome for Argentina alone, and Austria’s set-piece threat and counter-attacking speed mean a contribution from Rangnick’s side is not out of the question.
Over 2.5 goals at +100 on BetOnline is the best value line on this match. It pays even money and only requires Argentina to maintain their Matchday 1 scoring form.
Score Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Austria
Argentina vs Austria Odds
- Argentina Win -190
- Draw +320
- Austria Win +600
- Messi Anytime Goalscorer -105
- Over 2.5 Goals +100
How to Watch Argentina vs Austria
- Date: Monday, June 22, 2026
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
- Stadium: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- TV: FOX
