Messi chases World Cup record as Argentina face Austria; Jordan eyes first point against Algeria

Messi's pursuit

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 opening win over Algeria and is now tied with Germany's Miroslav Klose on 16 men's World Cup goals. A single strike against Austria would make him the outright leader, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (15) and Kylian Mbappé (14, tied with Gerd Müller). Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said his team must be "very courageous" and show their "A-game" against the defending champions.

Jordan's second test

Jordan, appearing at their first World Cup, lost 3-1 to Austria on debut but impressed with their discipline. Coach Jamal Sellami said the "fear of the opener is behind us now" and that his players are "more relaxed and more assured". Algeria also lost their opener, 3-0 to Argentina, and Sellami warned that the north African side remain dangerous: "They played against the world champions."

The players are more trusting in their abilities. Now they are more relaxed and more assured that they will give their best on the pitch.

Rangnick's warning

Rangnick described Argentina as having "no weaknesses" and praised their tactical flexibility. "Obviously, they have the greatest player of all time in their team," he said, adding that Austria would have to produce "the best performance we have ever done under my tenure." Austria are at their first World Cup since 1998 and recorded their first win in the competition in 36 years against Jordan.

We have to be very strong tactically, but we have to be very courageous. We have to bring our A-game tomorrow.

Posch to play in mask

Defender Stefan Posch broke his jaw in the win over Jordan but will be available against Argentina after being fitted twice in Los Angeles for a protective brace. Rangnick said he was "ready to play tomorrow just like every and any other player" and would either start or be introduced during the match. Initial fears that the 29-year-old Mainz defender would miss the rest of the tournament proved unfounded.

Monday's card

Four matches are scheduled on June 22: Argentina-Austria in Arlington, Texas (1 p.m. EDT), France-Iraq in Philadelphia (5 p.m.), Norway-Senegal in East Rutherford, New Jersey (8 p.m.), and Jordan-Algeria in Santa Clara, California (11 p.m.). All games are broadcast on Fox networks in the United States.