Argentina 2–0 Austria: Messi Leads Argentina into the Knockout Stage

Argentina produced another commanding performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Austria 2-0 in a crucial Group J encounter on 22 June 2026. The victory secured Argentina's place in the knockout stage and underlined their credentials as one of the tournament favourites.

The match began with Austria displaying impressive defensive discipline and determination. Argentina controlled possession from the outset, patiently probing for openings while Austria relied on quick counter-attacks to threaten the South American giants.

The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute when captain Lionel Messi once again demonstrated his world-class quality. Receiving the ball near the edge of the penalty area, Messi created space before finishing clinically to give Argentina a deserved lead.

Austria emerged with renewed energy after the interval and enjoyed some promising moments. However, Argentina's defence remained organised and composed, preventing Austria from creating any clear-cut scoring opportunities.

As the match entered stoppage time and Austria pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Argentina struck again. Messi completed his brace with a superb finish in the dying moments, sealing a 2-0 victory and sending Argentine supporters into celebration.

The win leaves Argentina firmly in control of Group J and extends their impressive run in the tournament. Austria, despite the defeat, earned praise for their fighting spirit and disciplined approach but were ultimately undone by the brilliance of Messi.

Key Performers

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Two goals, outstanding leadership, and another match-winning display.

Argentina Defence – Solid throughout the match and rarely troubled by Austrian attacks.

Austria Midfield – Worked tirelessly and competed well against one of the strongest teams in the competition.

Match Statistics

Final Score: Argentina 2-0 Austria

Goalscorers:

• Lionel Messi (38')

• Lionel Messi (90+5')

Man of the Match: Lionel Messi

Argentina's blend of experience, tactical discipline, and attacking quality makes them one of the leading contenders for the World Cup title. If Messi continues in this form, the defending champions will be extremely difficult to stop.

MLA Viresh Borkar is a Hero

 

DATED: 27/02/2026

To

The Editor

 

 

Sir,

 

Kudos to the people of St Andre for standing firm with their demand against section 39A of the Goa TCP Act. St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar is the true hero of this movement which really had the honorable CM come to the meet the MLA showing concern for his health. A siting MLA going on a hunger strike for the sake of its people and constituency is one of first in Goa’s history or may even be nationally. The fleet achieved by the young energetic young man will go down in Goa’s history very much acknowledged by the future generation as a battle fought for the sake of protecting Goa and its environment. MLA Viresh as a first time MLA has been ridiculed in the house by senior MLAs of the Ruling dispensation but He has always proved his ability to put fought his points in the assembly. We need more of our youngsters to follow his steps be of any party be Goenkar first. The support by the opposition MLAs, Activists, intellectuals and People from all walks of life proved very helpful. The battle is far from over supporters of all party and followers of politicians has to ponder the thought of what kind of Goa are we passing on to our future generations, Goa with no mountains, polluted rivers, concretized villages, unaffordable dwellings, slavery of the rich and mighty second home owners? May this small revolution grow in every village that needs protection from the land sharks colluding with greedy politicians who care a little for Goa but only see Goan land as a wealth creating tool.

 

AlvaresClarence

Sangolda

8055543221

https://youtu.be/d3Vpz8Vu6iw?si=6ebOK6a98aGrKMv0

Herald and The Goan 08/01/2026

https://epaper.heraldgoa.in/m/26800/695f0b5435e8a

https://epaper.thegoan.net/4103365/TG/TG#page/4/2

Carion Call by Goycho Putt Retried Justice Ferdino Rebello

DATED: 22/10/2025

To

The Editor

 

 

Sir,

 

“Waiting for the Godot” This play comments on the waiting, hope, disappointment, and meaninglessness of human life, where nothing concrete happens, yet people keep waiting for someone that will bring in a change. In the play “the Godot” character never shows up it’s a story of the search for human existence, revolving around hope but ‘nothing happening'. Same has been the state of Niz Goenkars who are witnesses to the destruction of Goa in the name of Development. Long since an article by renowned columnist Mr. Rajan Parrikar highlighted an issue where he termed the destruction of mountains to “Rape of Goa” that was the the year 2008. Then the Goan Identity movement started with anxious Niz Goankars feeling outsiders in their own land. The destruction had already started but activists never laid down their placards but fought the powers to safe guard our Goa for posterity. Our Rivers Mountains and Agricultural lands were sold in the name of development and destroyed under pretext of job creation. We protested, fought in courts and the battle is still on waiting for “the Godot” that never came. The Policy makers since 2012 consolidated themselves by adding more of their-kind so that their destructive policies are passed with the strength of majority.

For us frustrated helpless Niz goeankars the wait is over Goycho Putt retired Justice Ferdino Rebello has given hope to us all with his charter to save whatever is left of our Bhangrachea Goem. Let us all support the cause in any form that may be required that our future generations will be proud to read us in history and not curse us for not putting up the fight.

 

AlvaresClarence

Sangolda

https://epaper.heraldgoa.in/epaper/oheraldo/07-01-2026

united opposition for 2027

DATED: 22/10/2025

To

The Editor

 

Sir,

 

It was a very pleasant sight to see the opposition coming on one dais on the eve of Diwali with a common agenda to protect Goa from divisive evil forces. Goa Forward has realized their folly of siding with the BJP after the 2017 elections, whereas they should have respected the people's verdict and stayed in the opposition. The Revolutionary Goans Party did very well in the 2022 elections but putting candidates in all except one constituency was their mistake. Goans were very happy with the RGP, but when their Lok Sabha ambition superseded their commitment to the Goan people, that was where they dented their reputation to a great extent. Better late than never, they have sensed what Niz Goans wants from them. Now it’s the Aam Admi Party that is playing spoiled sport while the opposition parties have realized that only unity amongst them can defeat BJP in 2027. Local supporters of the AAP, it's time you wake up and smell the coffee. Your Delhi leadership may have differences in opinions, but it is you, as a local Goan, who has to see what is beneficial for the Goa vote spilt or united opposition. Xasticar’s have always shown that they can be very fierce when it comes to fighting for Goa and the issues plaguing our beautiful state. Supporters of both the AAP MLA’s should prevail upon them to make their central leadership know the pulse of NIz Goankars who are out to save whatever is left of our beautiful state to pass it on to our future generations.

 

Clarence Alvares

Sangolda

The Goan 10/03/2024

https://epaper.thegoan.net/3840388/THE-GOAN/THE-GOAN#google_vignette