Lionel Messi’s heroics in Argentina’s opener against Algeria propelled him to the top of the pile for all-time World Cup goal scorers. A truly incredible feat from the best to ever do it. His side heads into Monday, 22 June’s game against Austria full of confidence, but this will be a much sterner test, so they will need to have their wits about them to make it two from two. As ever, my bet builder for the game is ready, so let’s dive straight in.
TL;DR – My 4.2/1 Argentina vs Austria Bet Builder
| Bet | Bookies | Odds | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina to win | Betfred | 4/7 | 1 |
| Over 2.5 goals | William Hill | Evens | 1 |
| Lionel Messi 2+ shots on target | Betfred | 5/6 | 2 |
| Konrad Laimer 2+ fouls | Betfred | 8/13 | 1.5 |
| Bet Builder | Betfred | 4.2/1 | 1 |
*Odds correct at 10:30 BST on 13/06/2026. Odds subject to change.
No Expiry Date
Bet 1: Argentina to Win
Argentina navigated a tricky opening game against Algeria with relative ease on Wednesday. I’ve been rabbiting on for most of the pre-tournament build-up about how they are still a force and are ones to watch, even though very few are talking about them.
It’s important not to get too excited as we’re only one game in, but the Argies look impressive, and it’s handy to have one of the greatest players seemingly bang in form.
Austria will be a tough task. They weren’t at their best against Jordon, but got the job done eventually, mainly thanks to the introduction of Marko Arnautovic, who scored, set up the second goal and had a goal ruled out by VAR. You’d imagine he’s in from the start on Saturday, which should give those wiener schnitzel-loving Austrians a boost.
However, there’s no getting away from the fact that Argentina is the strong favourite here. Their World Cup odds to win the game are 4/7 with Betfred, which are on the skinny side. As part of a bet builder, I think there’s just enough there to get excited, so I will take that, for now. If they shorten much more before kick-off, which they might, I’d possibly swerve it.
Bet 2: Over 2.5 Goals
Honestly, I think this is kind of a marginal bet as well. I’m well aware that both nations covered the line in their opener, but that could have more to do with the quality of opposition than anything else.
What is swaying me is Arnautovic’s inclusion in the side. He changed the game for Austria against Jordan. He’s not long since turned 37, but he still looks fit, fresh and still possesses some of the quality that we saw in his time in the Premier League.
I genuinely think his inclusion makes the over 2.5 goals seem more plausible. And just to get a bit of support for my thinking, I hopped over to Kickform’s Argentina vs Austria predictions, and they agreed, with a 52% chance of over 2.5 goals.
In terms of odds, we can get even money with William Hill. It’s got just enough value in it to make this pick work.
Bet 3: Lionel Messi 2+ Shots on Target
Argentina to win, over 2.5 goals and Lionel Messi 2+ shots on target. Hardly three of the most ground-breaking World Cup predictions you’re going to get from me this summer. But hear me out.
Hyping up, for me, the best player ever, isn’t needed. We all know who he is and what he’s capable of. The fact that he’s still knocking out hat-tricks at 38 on the world’s biggest stage is nothing short of incredible.
Messi has a great chance of scoring. And score he usually does. But there’s an angle here.
You see, he’s priced at 11/10 to score anytime. Not great, but I’ve seen worse this term, such as Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane both around 1/2, which is nothing short of bonkers, even if they did both chalk.
Instead of backing him to score, which isn’t as easy as he sometimes makes out, we can get 5/6 with the best World Cup betting sites on 2+ shots on target. There’s not a lot of difference in terms of odds, and for me, the chances of him hitting the target twice are much more likely than actually scoring.
Bet 4: Konrad Laimer 2+ Fouls
The fouls market was a toss-up between Austria’s Konrad Laimer and Stefan Posch. Both serial offenders and picked up three fouls apiece in their opening game alone.
I like Laimer just for his tenacity. He’s a hard-working, aggressive midfielder who loves to press. The kids of today would call him a transition-stopper, but to me, he’s more like a Roy Keane who would act, then ask questions later.
He’s going to be floating around the likes of Mac Allistar, Enzo, De Paul and of course, Messi, who all draw more fouls than average.
Laimer is priced at 8/13 for two or more fouls, so it’s not a huge price, but it boosts the bet builder from 5/2 to 4.2/1.
