Argentina – Austria: Posch with a Broken Jaw vs Messi?

Austria won their World Cup opener (3-1 over Jordan) and sit level on points with Argentina at the top of Group J. But before Monday's blockbuster, one question dominates in Austria: will Stefan Posch — with a broken jaw — play against Messi?

As of 18 June 2026

Posch with a broken jaw — will he face Messi?

In a collision with Jordan's Odeh Al-Fakhouri late in the opener, defender Stefan Posch (28, Mainz 05) suffered a jaw fracture. A CT scan confirmed it — but no surgery is needed. Instead, a special protective splint is being made to support the healing. Per ÖFB sporting director Peter Schöttel, Posch wants to play at all costs.

That leaves his availability against Argentina open: the decision will come in the next few days — depending on how quickly the splint is ready and how well Posch tolerates it in training. Rangnick's earlier bleak line ("if the jaw is broken, he's out for the tournament") was walked back by the no-surgery diagnosis.

If he can't make it, Konrad Laimer — who often plays the position at Bayern Munich — is the likeliest replacement; options like Patrick Wimmer or Phillipp Mwene are on standby too.

"Steirerblut is ka Himbeersaft" — Styrian blood is no raspberry juice, Posch said after the diagnosis (on Austrian TV, ORF). A Styrian-born defender gritting his teeth to face the reigning world champions is exactly the kind of underdog story a World Cup is made of. (What "bärig" and "zach" mean on the pitch is in our Styrian football glossary.)

The opponent: world champion Messi in form

Argentina are the reigning 2022 world champions and the clear favourites in Group J — and Lionel Messi arrives on a high: he scored a hat-trick in the 3-1 over Algeria. Quality in every line, tournament experience, a captain in vintage form. On paper it's clear-cut.

But Austria aren't coming to watch. Rangnick's side live on aggressive pressing and compactness — and travel with the momentum of their opening win. Exactly the kind of opponent that can give a favourite a bad night when the plan clicks.

How to predict Argentina – Austria

This is where the bold round separates from the cautious. Most back the favourite (tendency 1) — safe, but everyone else does too, so it gains you no ground.

The leverage is in the courage: backing Austria for a draw (tendency X) or even the upset (tendency 2) can leap you up the table — if it lands. In a prediction game you don't win by picking the likely outcome; you win by reading the games where the favourite wobbles.

Our read as a decision aid: Argentina are favourites, no question — but a Rangnick Austria that presses with fury and stays compact at the back is always good for a 0–0 at the break and a sting. How does your AI call it? See the AI tendency for the match and then decide.

Your move

Safe (1) or bold (X/2)? In a game like this that's exactly the question that decides your round. Lock your pick in before Monday's 19:00 kickoff.

Predict Argentina – Austria now · The full Austria tipp guide

Will Stefan Posch play against Argentina?

Open. Posch suffered a jaw fracture against Jordan but needs no surgery and will wear a protective splint. He wants to play; the decision comes in the days before the match. If he's out, Konrad Laimer is the likeliest replacement.

When do Argentina play Austria?

Monday 22 June 2026, 19:00 CEST — the Group J primetime game and the only Austria group match in the evening.

Who's the favourite in Argentina – Austria?

Argentina, the 2022 world champions, are the clear favourites — Messi just scored a hat-trick. Austria are the underdog, but arrive on the momentum of their 3-1 over Jordan.

How do you predict Argentina – Austria?

Most expect an Argentina win (tendency 1). The difference in your round comes from courage: a predicted draw (X) or upset (2) earns big if it lands. Submit your pick before kickoff.

Sources: sport.ORF.at · ligaportal · Tiroler Tageszeitung · Mainz 05.

Explore more: Austria 3-1 Jordan: the recap · Styrian football slang · World Cup today: all matches & AI picks

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