Argentina superstar Lionel Messi had the Austrian defenders chasing shadows in their Fifa World Cup match.
Ralf Rangnick knew exactly what Lionel Messi was going to do and had devised a meticulous tactical plan to stop it — and then the Argentina captain struck twice anyway to become the leading goalscorer in Fifa World Cup history.
Austria coach Rangnick may not be all that fondly remembered by Manchester United supporters following his turbulent interim spell in 2021-2022. But at 67, the German tactician remains vastly experienced and widely respected within the game. He has revived the Austrian national side since taking the helm in 2022, steering them to a 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Jordan to launch their World Cup campaign last week.
Talking ahead of his side's Group A match on Monday against reigning champions Argentina in Texas, Rangnick spoke forewarningly about the latest iteration of Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday.
"Lionel Messi maybe doesn't put in the same legwork as in the past," Rangnick observed. "He likes to stay on the side, and sometimes he likes to stop in front of the goal, in the offside position. That doesn't mean that they have one man less, but they have one man less that works in the counter-pressing.
