Martin Green Backs Over 2.5 Goals in Argentina-Austria as Messi Enters on 18-8 Run

Q: Will 38-year-old Messi make history today by scoring in a record sixth consecutive World Cup match?

No. Messi did not make history today with a goal in a sixth consecutive World Cup match. He entered the Argentina-Austria game having scored in five straight World Cup matches, including a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Algeria that made him the oldest player to record a World Cup hat-trick and tied Miroslav Klose’s 16-goal World Cup total. A goal against Austria would have set a new mark for six consecutive World Cup matches with a goal. But that streak stopped against Austria. Match updates indicate Messi failed to score, missing a first-half penalty and later being denied by the goalkeeper on another chance. As a result, the record bid remains on hold. Before kickoff, there was strong reason to think he might do it. Argentina were favored at -240, Messi was listed at -105 to score anytime, and expert Martin Green expected an open match with over 2.5 goals. Still, despite Argentina’s attacking form and Messi’s recent run, the historic sixth straight scoring game did not happen on Monday.

3 articles · Updated · SportsLine · Jun 22

Martin Green’s featured pick for Monday’s World Cup Group J match is over 2.5 goals, with the bettor also releasing two additional plays including a Lionel Messi prop.
Both teams opened with three goals—Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 behind Messi’s hat trick, while Austria defeated Jordan 3-1—supporting Green’s view that the matchup can produce several chances.
Argentina, ranked No. 1 by FIFA, enters as a -240 favorite at FanDuel, with Austria at +650, the draw at +350 and Messi priced at -105 to score anytime.
Green’s recent form underpins the attention on his picks: he finished the Champions League on an 18-8 run after posting profits across multiple soccer markets last year.