As Messi eyes a World Cup scoring record Monday in Arlington, fans from Argentina and Austria are digging into Texas barbecue.

DALLAS, Texas — Just as Texas was making Austria’s World Cup fans feel at home, Downtown Dallas was starting to sound a lot like Buenos Aires.

Argentina’s supporters filled the streets, and for at least one fan, the city felt like a second home.

“And you can feel this feeling like, I’m at home right now. And that’s amazing,” said Maggie, an Argentina fan.



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“Dallas today is Argentina!” another fan said.

On Monday, the defending World Cup champions get their first real test in Arlington — against Austria.

Austria’s fans know what they’re up against.

“We just can try to make it close at the back, and make it really offensive at the front, and let’s see what happens,” said Austria fan Dominik Honigschmid.

For Argentina’s faithful, there’s no question about the best player on the field.

“Messi! What’s that question? It’s Messi!” said Lucia Lopez, an Argentina fan.

“He’s the best player in the world. He’s not human. He’s E.T.,” another fan said.

With another goal, Messi can become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

“He’s gonna break the record!” Lopez said.

Off the field, both fan bases are making the most of Texas hospitality while they’re here.

An Austrian couple gave Texas tea a try and got a crash course in Texas barbecue.

“This is what we call the trinity,” said Mike Junio of Lockhart Smokehouse in Plano. “Brisket, which is Texas king, pork spare ribs, and our sausage.”

Argentina has another North Texas match Saturday, and fans already have a Texas to-do list.

“Really big ribeye, good steak, good meal. And desert. And cows. And cowboys,” said Matias, an Argentina fan.

“It’s really breathtaking, because the environment, the things you can see here, the activities,” Honigschmid said. “It’s not what we’re used to do in Europe. So we’re really happy to be here and to enjoy all the things you can offer.”

Soon, the two fanbases will find out who can make North Texas sound more like home.