Supporters of Argentina, including Ines Adami of Dallas (left), celebrate Lionel Messi’s record for FIFA World Cup’s most goals during an invite-only watch party at Argentina 163, a restaurant/bar in Euless, Texas, June 22, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
ARLINGTON — They sang, chanted, stomped, whooped, cheered, hugged strangers and wept.
Jubilant Argentina fans draped themselves in blue capes and scarves and ball caps and Lionel Messi jerseys as they watched their team take on Austria in the group stage match Monday at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
Even before Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal, making him the tournament’s all-time scoring leader, the stadium rumbled to a deafening roar. After he scored, fans sprayed water and climbed on tables in the packed stadium.
Article continues below this ad
“Goal!” shouted Francisco Martinez, 45, who flew from Buenos Aires to Texas to cheer for his team. “We love you, Messi.”
Martinez pumped both fists in the air and looked skyward. Around him, fans chanted “Messi, Messi.” Some donned blue and white wigs.
Argentina fans celebrate their team’s 2-0 victory against Austria after a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Fervent fans paid exorbitant prices for tickets, navigated a sometimes confusing system and braved the oppressive Texas heat. That seemed to matter little Monday to most who were in the stands.
“I have never seen anything like this in my life,” shouted Elisa Chiaradia, a 34-year-old personal trainer from Argentina who now lives in Dallas. “The energy is incredible. This is God’s blessing.
Article continues below this ad
Related: Lionel Messi’s historic goals bring Argentina closer to World Cup repeat bid
Three drummers led thousands in chants of “Vamos, vamos selección” — “Let’s go, let’s go, national team.” Bass drums, called bombos, are an icon and staple of Argentine soccer.
“For us, a fan section without drums isn’t really a fan section,” said Marcos Perez, 41, of Córdoba, Argentina.
Perez said he and seven friends took four separate flights from Argentina to reach Arlington. “We haven’t slept in three days,” he said, “but we’re happy to be here supporting Argentina.”
Fans broke into one song after another, belting out the lyrics to a favorite soccer anthem, “Muchachos,” which honors Messi and Diego Maradona, an Argentinian who died in 2020 and was widely considered one of the game’s greatest.
Article continues below this ad
Juliano Avigail, who was born in Argentina and now lives in Miami, Florida, drove overnight with friends to make the game. Before it began, they grasped beers and clinked plastic cups together. “Salud,” they said.
“We love Argentina. We love Messi,” he said. “We are just so happy.”
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with teammate Enzo Fernández (24) after scoring goal past Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager (1) in the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) stands with teammates during the national anthem before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Austria on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi attempts a penalty kick against Austria in the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager dives for a wide shot by Argentina forward Lionel Messi during first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Angela Piazza/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi reacts after he missed a penalty kick against Austria in the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager (right) and Austria defender David Alaba celebrate a missed goal attempt by Argentina forward Lionel Messi during first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Angela Piazza/The Dallas Morning News
Supporters watch as Argentina’s Lionel Messi misses a penalty kick against Austria in the first half at an invite-only watch party at Argentina 163, a restaurant/bar in Euless, Texas, June 22, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Austria fans cheer in the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Argentina on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) controls the ball against Austria defender David Alaba (8) in the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
A shot by Argentina forward Lionel Messi makes it past Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager during first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Angela Piazza/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with midfielder Enzo Fernández following his goal during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina players celebrates a goal by forward Lionel Messi (10) during first half of Monday’s FIFA World Cup match featuring Argentina and Austria in Arlington, June 22, 2026.
Angela Piazza/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with teammate Enzo Fernández (24) after scoring goal past Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager (1) in the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Supporters of Argentina, including Ines Adami of Dallas (left), celebrate Lionel Messi’s record for FIFA World Cup’s most goals during an invite-only watch party at Argentina 163, a restaurant/bar in Euless, Texas, June 22, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) is fouled as Austria midfielder Xaver Schlager (4) follows on the play during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) reacts after missing a shot past Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager (1) during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) sprints past Austria midfielder Xaver Schlager (4) during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) attempts a shot on goal during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Angela Piazza/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi is seen during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match against Austria, on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) fights for possession against Austria defender Marco Friedl during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Austria midfielder Konrad Laimer (20) pushes Argentina midfielder Nico Gonzalez (15) to the pitch and receives a yellow card during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Angela Piazza/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi dribbles up the field during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match against Austria, on Monday, June 22, 2026 ,in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina supporters cheer forward Lionel Messi during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match against Austria, on Monday, June 22, 2026 ,in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager (1) and defender Marco Friedl (23) defend a shot by Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Angela Piazza/The Dallas Morning News
Austria midfielder Konrad Laimer (20) presses Argentina forward Nicolás González during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Austria defender Kevin Danso heads the ball over Argentina defender Nicolás Tagliafico (3) and forward Nicolás González during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) scores his side’s second goal between legs of Austria midfielder Nicolas Seiwald (6) during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) scores his side’s second goal between legs of Austria midfielder Nicolas Seiwald (6) during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Angela Piazza/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) scores his side’s second goal between legs of Austria midfielder Nicolas Seiwald (6) during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates his second goal against Austria in the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi high fives media after scoring a second time during a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Angela Piazza/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina supporter Katherin Fuentes of Irving reacts to a late goal by Lionel Messi while watching a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match against Austria at the Dallas FIFA Fan Festival on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Dallas.
Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates a goal with midfielder Leandro Paredes (5) during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Angela Piazza/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates with his teammates after scoring his second goal during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match against Austria, on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Alejandra Ochoa of Hurst reacts with fellow Argentina supporters after Lionel Messi scored his second goal of the match against Austria during an invite-only watch party at Argentina 163, a restaurant/bar in Euless, Texas, June 22, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (left) celebrates a goal with teammates during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Angela Piazza/The Dallas Morning News
Fans and Argentina bench players celebrate as forward Lionel Messi (10) is surrounded after scoring his side’s second goal during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) is surrounded by teammates after scoring his side’s second goal during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Angela Piazza/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates his second goal as Austria midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka (17) looks down in the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes (center) hugs midfielder Alexis Mac Allister (20) and forward Lionel Messi (10) following their side’s victory over Austria in a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina fans celebrate following their side’s victory over Austria in a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina players cerebrate their 2-0 victory over Austria after a World Cup Group J soccer match on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Argentina supporters hold up a cutout of Lionel Messi as they depart after watching a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match victory over Austria at the Dallas FIFA Fan Festival on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Dallas.
Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News
Outnumbered Austrian fans, who wore red and white jerseys, said the stadium was unlike any other.
“This is my first World Cup game, but probably my 300th football match overall,” Sebastian Bachmann said. “The stadium is crazy. I’ve never experienced something like this.”
Article continues below this ad
Even as Austria trailed, fans remained optimistic. Alex Fiegl of Tyrol, Austria, summed up the challenge facing his team in a few words.
“For Austria, it’s difficult because Lionel Messi is a bit too good for us,” Fiegl said.
Related: Texas heat is taking over World Cup games in Dallas. Here’s how to stay safe
Some were still scrambling for tickets minutes before the game began. Some fans said single tickets were running for as much as $5,000.
Blanca Perez, 21, who is originally from Venezuela and lives in Dallas, spent her birthday looking for a way into the match. Perez said she was looking for one or two tickets and was willing to pay about $1,000 for a single seat.
Article continues below this ad
“It has been a great birthday,” she said, “but it can be better if I get a ticket.”
About 20 miles away, thousands of Argentina supporters flooded the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park, rushing into the festival grounds as the gates opened. Inside, fans jumped in unison and sang one of Argentina’s most recognizable soccer chants, “El que no brinque es inglés” — “Whoever doesn’t jump is English.”
Argentina supporter Katherin Fuentes of Irving reacts to a late goal by Lionel Messi while watching a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match against Austria at the Dallas FIFA Fan Festival on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Dallas.
Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News
For many supporters, following Argentina during the World Cup has required significant travel.
Wrapped in an Argentine flag and wearing a white cap emblazoned with “Argentina,” Adolfo Etcheverry made the trip alone from Azul, a city in Argentina’s Buenos Aires province. Although he was unable to secure tickets to any of Argentina’s matches, he said he remains hopeful he will find a way into one before the tournament ends.
Article continues below this ad
Etcheverry traveled by bus, plane and car to get to Texas. Along the way, he met three other Argentina supporters and joined them on the road, turning a solo trip into a shared World Cup adventure.
Carlos Castellano, who is from Mendoza, Argentina, but now lives in Arkansas, attended the watch party with his sister and daughter.
“Being Argentine is something very special,” Castellano said. “The passion for soccer that our parents pass down to us from childhood is very special.”
Even after Argentina won 2-0, hundreds of fans remained inside the stadium in Arlington, singing, jumping and waving their country’s flag.
Related: It’s here: What you need to know about the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Dallas