Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager has drawn attention ahead of Austria's second FIFA World Cup group stage match against Argentina, set for June 22 at 1:00 PM ET at Dallas Stadium. Both Group J sides their openers, and Schlager's pre-match comments about Lionel Messi have already added extra heat to the fixture.
During a press conference, Schlager was asked about Messi, Argentina's captain and star. The 30-year-old Red Bull Salzburg goalkeeper said he does not hide his preference for Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
In principle, I'm more of a Cristiano Ronaldo type.
Schlager quickly followed that by stressing his admiration for Messi and the challenge Argentina's No. 10 presents on the pitch.
He is a player who has performed at such a high level for a long time. It would be audacious to say or try to say anything against him.
He has an incredible presence and it shows in his team. What he generates when he's on the field and the energy he transmits. That's why I'm very eager to play and we're going to try everything we can to counter him.
The matchup carries major Group J stakes. Austria opened with a 3-1 win over Jordan, while Argentina routed Algeria 3-0 behind a Lionel Messi hat trick. At 38, Messi tied the all-time World Cup scoring record with those three goals and became the oldest player to score a hat trick in tournament history.
Ralf Rangnick's Austria side will try to take points off Lionel Scaloni's Albiceleste. A positive result would leave Austria one step from securing a Round of 16 place, while a loss would force the team to settle its fate on the final group matchday against Algeria.
Argentina will close group play against Jordan on June 27 at 10:00 PM ET in Dallas. Austria faces Algeria that same day at the same time in Kansas City.
