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Lionel Messi scores twice as Argentina clinches spot in World Cup knockout round
By Logan Reardon at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
Argentina will officially get a chance to defend its World Cup title in the knockout rounds.
Led by two more goals from Lionel Messi, Argentina clinched its spot in the Round of 32 after defeating Austria 2-0 at Dallas Stadium on Monday.
The game nearly had its first goal in the opening min...
Key takeaway Led by two more goals from Lionel Messi, Argentina clinched its spot in the Round of 32 after defeating Austria 2-0 at Dallas Stadium on Monday.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
As Argentina advances to the World Cup knockout rounds, Los Angeles soccer fans are likely to take notice, given the city's strong following for the sport. With a sizable Argentine population in the Los Angeles area, local bars and restaurants may see an influx of fans gathering to watch upcoming matches. The team's success could also have an impact on the local sports landscape, potentially inspiring young players in Los Angeles' own soccer community. As the World Cup continues, fans in the city will be keeping a close eye on Argentina's progress, and local businesses may capitalize on the excitement by hosting viewing parties and other events. With Argentina's rich soccer history and passionate fan base, their advancement in the tournament is likely to generate significant interest and enthusiasm in Los Angeles.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Argentina will officially get a chance to defend its World Cup title in the knockout rounds.
Led by two more goals from Lionel Messi, Argentina clinched its spot in the Round of 32 after defeating Austria 2-0 at Dallas Stadium on Monday.
The game nearly had its first goal in the opening min...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Logan Reardon at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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