Lionel Messi returns to action today when Argentina faces Austria in a pivotal Group J showdown.
The defending champions opened their World Cup campaign with a comfortable victory over Algeria, and once again, Messi found himself at the center of everything good going forward.
While Argentina no longer relies exclusively on the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, he remains Lionel Scaloni's primary creator, one of the team's most dangerous finishers, and the likely penalty taker whenever La Albiceleste are awarded a spot kick.
That makes Messi one of the most popular player prop targets on Monday's World Cup slate.
Below, we break down the latest Lionel Messi odds, player props, and our best World Cup picks for Argentina vs. Austria on June 22.
Lionel Messi odds vs Austria
| Market |  Probability |
American Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Messi to score | 52% | -104 |
| Messi to assist | 31% | +223 |
| Messi to score or assist | 68% | -213 |
Lionel Messi anytime goal scorer vs Austria
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If you're betting on Messi to score, the handicap is fairly straightforward.
Argentina should control possession for long stretches and spend plenty of time in Austria's half. That naturally creates opportunities for Messi to receive the ball in dangerous areas around the penalty box.
Austria defeated Jordan 3-1 in its opener, but Argentina presents an entirely different challenge. Scaloni's side has more creativity, more movement, and far more players capable of drawing defenders out of position.
The penalty angle remains important as well. Messi continues to handle spot-kick duties for Argentina, which always boosts his scoring equity in matches where La Albiceleste are expected to dominate territory.
Messi anytime goal scorer odds analysis
The biggest question isn't whether Messi can score. It's whether the market is pricing him fairly.
At this stage of his career, Messi doesn't generate the same shot volume he did during his Barcelona peak. However, he remains remarkably efficient around the box and continues to find high-quality scoring opportunities.
Austria is a more dangerous opponent than Algeria, which could keep Messi on the pitch longer and maintain his involvement deep into the second half.
That's why the anytime scorer market remains the cleanest way to back him. You're investing in his finishing ability, penalty duties, and overall importance to Argentina's attack without needing multiple goals.
Other Lionel Messi props to consider
Messi assist
This may actually be the most intriguing market of the three.
Messi's role has evolved into a hybrid creator-finisher, and he remains Argentina's best passer in the final third. With runners such as Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez constantly attacking space, Messi rarely needs many touches to create a high-quality chance.
Lean: Playable at anything better than +175.
Messi to score or assist
This remains the safest way to back Argentina's captain.
Messi doesn't need to find the back of the net himself. A perfectly weighted through ball, a set-piece delivery, or a penalty conversion all cash the same ticket.
Given how central he remains to everything Argentina does in the attacking third, backing Messi to record a goal contribution provides multiple paths to victory.
Lean: Playable up to -230.
Argentina vs Austria odds analysis
Argentina enters the match as the stronger side and will likely dictate both possession and tempo.
That should create a favorable environment for Messi props, particularly if Austria chooses to defend deeper and look for counterattacking opportunities.
The Austrians have enough quality to make this more competitive than Argentina's opener, but that may actually benefit Messi bettors. A closer match increases the likelihood that Argentina's captain remains heavily involved for the full 90 minutes.
Whether you're backing a goal, an assist, or simply a goal contribution, Messi remains one of the strongest player prop options on Sunday's World Cup schedule.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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