BUENOS AIRES, June 23 — Argentina fans gathered in parks across Buenos Aires on Monday to celebrate another standout World Cup performance by Lionel Messi, who scored twice in a 2-0 win over Austria.
The Argentina captain struck both goals in Dallas in the team’s second Group J match at the 2026 World Cup, being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The brace followed his hat trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria. Omar, who traveled from Rosario, Messi’s hometown about 300 km north of Buenos Aires, said the forward looked “sharp, as always, very good.” “For me, we are ready to win the Cup again,” he said from Plaza Seeber in the Palermo neighborhood, where a giant screen was set up to show World Cup matches. The square, at the intersection of Avenida del Libertador and Avenida Sarmiento, is one of the main gathering points for Argentina fans during matches involving Lionel Scaloni’s team. Another crowd gathered at Plaza San Martin in the Retiro neighborhood, where office workers and fans celebrated another memorable display by Argentina’s No. 10.
Messi, who will turn 39 on June 24, became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals, two more than retired German striker Miroslav Klose. He reached the mark in 28 appearances. Fernanda, an Argentina fan, said she was “emotional” and “happy” after the victory and was already dreaming of another title following Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. “I suffered a lot, and now I’m happy, calmer, enjoying Messi’s goals. We are doing well, and I really trust this team,” said another fan, Eliana. Gonzalo said Argentina had some early difficulties in midfield because of Austria’s pressure, but became “quite solid” after making adjustments. Carolina said Argentina played “very well” and had “the greatest, the No. 10,” referring to Messi, who is playing in his sixth consecutive World Cup.
Visibly moved, Martin celebrated the goals while embracing his son. “It was beautiful, really beautiful. We are very emotional, with two great goals from Messi, and now we go for the fourth,” he said. Maria Fernanda, from Costa Rica, praised Messi and the “great atmosphere” in the park, while Lucas described him simply as “incredible.” Argentina is seeking its fourth FIFA World Cup title after winning in 1978, 1986 and 2022. Argentina will face Jordan on Saturday in Dallas in its third and final Group J match.
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