Here he is! Messi, in formation, with the Argentine squad in orange bibs, waiting for the green light to rush out onto the pitch for their warm-ups.
Messi turns, mutters a few words to his team with his back to the pitch, then spins and sprints out to a crackle of applause.
No divide in the Argentine warm-up, either, a large circle with all 26 players limbering up.
Jack Rathborn at Dallas Stadium22 June 2026 17:23
Austria captain David Alaba explains how his side will combat Argentina
David Alaba has faced Lionel Messi several times during the course of his career and knows the threat he and Argentina pose.
“We definitely watched their game before we left,” the Austria captain 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.”
(Getty)
Harry Latham-Coyle22 June 2026 17:20
Water-gate: Fifa’s lucrative World Cup breaks are ruining the spectacle
The Dallas Stadium has very good air conditioning, of course, making the whole idea of a hydration break a little ridiculous. Lawrence Ostlere was strong on the matter at the start of the tournament.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 June 2026 17:10
Argentina analysing impact of hydration breaks
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni offered an intriguing answer when asked about the hydration breaks at this World Cup yesterday, suggesting that he is trying to find a way of using them to his side’s advantage.
“Everything that I have in my mind can change depending on these 22, 23 minutes,” Scaloni told reporters on Sunday of the disruption caused by the breaks. “We have people analysing the game and we look for solutions. It’s what you do in a normal halftime.
“It’s for those who want to attack because you can amend certain things. It’s weird to adapt to that. It’s something that, if we do it more, it will become normal. I don’t think this is normal to us yet. We’re trying to analyse things and correct things. Sometimes the match changes in the first period itself and you can amend certain things. I understand it will change.”
(Reuters)
Harry Latham-Coyle22 June 2026 17:00
It looks like a reshaped backline for Austria with Kevin Danso into the starting side.
Austria XI: A Schlager; Laimer, Danso, Posch, Alaba; Seiwald, Sabitzer, X Schlager; Schmid, Gregoritsch, Wanner.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 June 2026 16:55
Argentina fans building incredible atmosphere in Dallas
The noise is deafening surrounding this spaceship-like stadium with Argentina fans flocking to this Arlington hub for the latest glimpse of Messi.
There’s pride in the No 19 jersey, as much as the No 10, a hint to the journey that continues, despite No 3 for Argentina in Qatar.
Inside the stadium, the concourse underneath the enormous glass windows has thousands of Argentine fans gathering, quite whether they return to their seats at kick-off is unclear, it’s a unique vantage point.
There is only a smattering of red in this stadium, with the Red Eagles contingent tucked away in the far corner in the third tier of this football cathedral, with soccer now experiencing the magic of what Jerry Jones built for his Cowboys.
Jack Rathborn at Dallas Stadium22 June 2026 16:54
Nahuel Molina is brought into the backline for an otherwise unchanged Argentina.
Argentina XI: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, L Martinez, Almada.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 June 2026 16:51
We’re expecting team news from the Dallas Stadium at some point in the near future. Argentina are set to be without Gonzalo Montiel due to a hamstring complaint, but will there be any other changes?
(Reuters)
Harry Latham-Coyle22 June 2026 16:40
Lionel Messi releases statement on father Jorge’s health and criticises media coverage
We must send well wishes to Lionel Messi’s father, with Jorge receiving treatment for a health issue. The family have understandably requested privacy.
Harry Latham-Coyle22 June 2026 16:30
Who will win the 2026 World Cup? Vote in our poll
Harry Latham-Coyle22 June 2026 16:20