Arlington (Texas) [US], June 22: Lionel Messi will have his eyes on the all-time World Cup goalscoring record when Argentina aim to book their place in the knock-out stages against Austria on Monday.
Messi, 38, moved level with Miroslav Klose's mark of 16 goals on football's biggest stage when he marked his 200th Argentina cap with his first World Cup hat-trick, powering the defending champions to a 3-0 win over Algeria in their tournament opener.
While he can now take the record outright near Dallas, Argentina's first priority will be securing their place in the next round by extending their current winning run to nine straight matches.
Speaking to FIFA, Argentina assistant coach Pablo Aimar said: "We're delighted to have got off to a good start. We're feeling calm, but not too calm, because you can never be completely at peace.
"There's the satisfaction of a good performance and the reassurance of having a top-class player." Austria come into the match with ambitions of their own after opening the tournament with a 3-1 win over Jordan, albeit one in which they left it late to secure the win, going up 2-1 in the 76th minute thanks to an own goal from Yazan Abu Al Arab before Marko Arnautovic's penalty deep in stoppage time.
However, Ralf Rangnick's side have proved themselves a tough nut to crack, conceding more than once in just one of their last 18 matches.
If they can spring a Group J upset, Austria can book their place in the knockout stages for the first time since 1982.
Although Messi has stolen all the headlines so far, Austria captain David Alaba said he and his team-mates recognize the quality that runs deep throughout the Argentina squad.
"We definitely watched their game before we left," the 33-year-old said.
"It's incredible that Messi started such a tournament with a hat-trick. Absolutely insane ... Let's hope he doesn't (do it) again ...
"We know what kind of opponent we're up against, what kind of quality they have in their ranks, even besides Messi, but also what they're capable of as a team."
Argentina defender Gonzalo Montiel is a doubt with a hamstring injury, with Nahuel Molina a candidate to replace him if the River Plate right-back is deemed unfit.
Austria have a question mark over Stefan Posch, who has been training this week in a face mask due to a broken jaw. His absence would open the door for Konrad Laimer.
Source: Qatar Tribune
