Lionel Messi is one goal away from breaking the World Cup's all-time goal record, with Argentina looking to secure group-stage progression against Austria in Dallas.Then, Graham Arnold's Iraq takes on France in a David vs Goliath clash in Philadelphia.Erling Haaland and Norway face Senegal in New Jersey, before the day draws to a close in San Francisco, where Algeria will lock horns with Jordan.Collapse all postsFilter PostsAll11Key Events3Argentina vs Austria9Tue 23 Jun 2026 at 3:02amTue 23 Jun 2026 at 3:02amAnd we're off in DallasThe crowd counts down to zero, and Argentina kicks us off, wearing their trademark blue and white stripes and kicking from left to right.Tue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:59amTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:59amThe players enter the arenaBy Henry Hanson(Getty Images)As Amanda has confirmed from on the ground, Dallas Stadium is pretty as a picture, filled with blue and white and Messi jerseys.The national anthems are sung, and we are not far off from the start of a potentially history-making afternoon in Texas.Tue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:58amTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:58amLa Albiceleste fans here in forceBy Amanda ShalalaIt's about 95 per cent sky blue and white in here, but the small contingent of Austrian fans are making plenty of noise and getting pumped for the build up!Everyone in here knows what a rare privilege it is to see the defending champions in action, and yes, of course the one and only Messi.And oh boy what a roar, and what a moment to be part of as he leads his side onto the pitch. GOOSEBUMPS!!Tue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:54amTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:54amMessi's hat-trickBy Henry HansonIn case you, somehow, missed it, Lionel Messi scored his first-ever World Cup hat-trick against Algeria, featuring two beauties and one deft tap in.Tue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:50amTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:50amHow things look in Group JBy Henry HansonAfter big wins on Matchday 1, a win for either team today would see them secure group stage progression.And it could also lock in top spot in the group, depending on results in the Jordan-Algeria game alter today.Key EventTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:45amTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:45amAustria team newsBy Henry HansonThree changes for Austria, with Michael Gregoritsch coming in up front, Kevin Danso in the heart of defence and the exciting Paul Wanner in midfield.Tue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:45amTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:45amAmerica to thank for Messi's latest World Cup heroics?By Henry Hanson(Getty Images)APLionel Messi's move to America will look like a masterstroke if he leads Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles.His decision to join Inter Miami in 2023 has already been good for all parties, raising the profile of soccer in the United States, delivering titles for his club and writing a new chapter in his storied career.But Argentina could be the biggest winner of all, with Messi arriving at what might be his last World Cup with his powers still at stratospheric levels aged 38."Leo will be the best for as long as he wants; he has been doing it every single match for the last 20 years," said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.Messi scored his first hat trick at a World Cup and also moved level on 16 goals with Miroslav Klose as the leading scorer in tournament history.“I tried to prepare myself in the best possible way to feel good physically, to feel useful, and to be able to help the group,” Messi said.Messi left behind the intensity of European soccer to join Inter Miami in 2023, delivering a massive boost for Major League Soccer.He said he wanted to “live football in another way” and while that included changes to his home life in the U.S., there was also a step down in the level of competition compared to Europe’s top leagues.But at a time when top players are warning of burnout because of soccer’s increasingly congested calendar, Messi appears to be benefiting from making the move. He has played fewer games in the U.S. than at the height of his Barcelona career when he could play in excess of 50 a season. His performance at the start of this World Cup shows he hasn’t lost his sharpness even if he is not regularly facing the world’s top defenders in MLS.Tue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:41amTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:41amIt's scorching hot in Dallas, which team will bring the heat?By Amanda ShalalaHi blog friends, I'm once again at Dallas Stadium to see the reigning champs take on Austria.I've been in Dallas over a week now, and it just keeps getting hotter. Lucky this stadium is covered and air conditioned, which makes for a delightful viewing experience.You will not be shocked to learn that there were endless waves of Argentina fans/Messi jersey wearing folks streaming into the stadium ahead of the game.(Getty Images)They haven't all travelled from Argentina, I've spoken to people from all corners of the world who are here, very eager to see one of the all time greats in action.There have also been a few smatterings of Austrian fans, but I think they'll be vastly outnumbered today.And sadly for some, they are desperately out the front of the stadium trying to get last minute tickets, which I doubt will pay off.(Getty Images)Yesterday, I attended the Banderazo fan celebration in one of the parks in downtown Dallas. It was an oppressively hot day, but there were thousands of fans there drumming, singing, and having an all round fantastic time.You'd think it would continue this afternoon, but Austria will be out to pull off a big upset.Tue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:39amTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:39amMessi on the verge of World Cup historyBy Henry Hanson(Getty Images)So, Lionel Messi is not only just one goal away from breaking the World Cup all time's goal record, but one assist away from breaking the all-time assist record as well.He's pretty good, isn't he.Here's how the top scorer's list is sitting:Lionel Messi (Argentina): 16 goalsMiroslav Klose (Germany): 16 goalsRonaldo (Brazil): 15 goalsGerd Muller (Germany): 14 goalsKyllian Mbappe (France): 14 goalsWorld Cup all-time top assisters:Lionel Messi (Argentina): 8 assistsDiego Maradona (Argentina): 8 assistsPierre Littbarski (Germany): 7 assistsGrzegorz Lato (Poland): 7 assistsEight players tied on 6 assistsKey EventTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:36amTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:36amArgentina team newsBy Henry HansonOne change for Argentina, with right-back Nahuel Molina coming in for Gonzalo Montiel.Key EventTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:31amTue 23 Jun 2026 at 2:31amHello!By Henry Hanson(Getty Images)Welcome to ABC Sport's online coverage of another day of World Cup action.Today, the stars come out to play once again, with Lionel Messi - on the cusp of the all-time tournament goals record, leading Argentina against Austria - Kylian Mbappe - who isn't far behind - lining up for France against Iraq, and Erling Haaland's Norway taking on Senegal.A massive day ahead of us.My name's Henry and I'll be here to take you through all the play-by-play action from the first couple games, with Amanda Shalaa on the ground in Dallas to bring us all the colour and atmosphere from what promises to be a history-making afternoon.Let's jump in!Email address