Austria not intimidated by facing 'the best of all time'; they have a plan against Argentina and Messi

Despite acknowledging Argentina as the clear favorite and having "the best of all time" in Lionel Messi, the Austrian national team is approaching their World Cup 2026 clash with confidence and a clear plan. Coach Ralf Rangnick emphasized that his team must deliver their absolute best performance since he took charge.

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We have to look for courage, energy, and order with our best game. We have to show the best level never seen before since it is my team.

"We have to look for courage, energy, and order with our best game. We have to show the best level never seen before since it is my team," Rangnick stated at a press conference. He stressed that while they respect Argentina's prowess, Austria aims to prove they are among the best teams in the tournament.

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The match tomorrow is a tremendous opportunity, we have the best conditions to give an excellent game. We are here to win, we are excited, nervous, but we know what is coming against a wonderful player.

Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer echoed the coach's sentiments, viewing the match as a significant opportunity to showcase their potential. "The match tomorrow is a tremendous opportunity, we have the best conditions to give an excellent game. We are here to win, we are excited, nervous, but we know what is coming against a wonderful player," Sabitzer said. He added that focusing on their own game will be crucial for achieving a positive result, downplaying the direct focus on Messi.

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It will be important to focus on ourselves and nothing else, I am sure we can have a great result.

The team also addressed practical concerns, with Rangnick humorously noting the intense heat upon arriving in Dallas, comparing it to walking in an oven. Fortunately, the stadium in Arlington is equipped with air conditioning, a relief for the players who have experienced challenging conditions in previous matches. Sabitzer acknowledged the importance of the air conditioning, highlighting how difficult competing in extreme heat can be.

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When we arrived it was like I was walking in an oven. Fortunately, in training we were in the shade and I don't think it will be very difficult tomorrow because there is air conditioning.