World Cup in photos
Messi Mania in photos: World Cup sensation Lionel Messi thrills DFW fans
The biggest moment yet of the 2026 FIFA World Cup happened in Arlington on Monday, June 22, when Argentina superstar Lionel Messi scored a World Cup record 17th goal, and then added an 18th for good measure, securing his team's 2-0 win against Austria.

Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images
In a scene reminiscent of "Beatle Mania," fans of Argentina are blocked by security as they wait for players after the team's victory at Dallas Stadium.














Long before history was made on the pitch at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, fans of the soccer G.O.A.T. filled venues around Dallas-Fort Worth to cheer on their team, and their legend. Sunday saw Argentina fans fill Klyde Warren Park for a spirited Banderazo pep rally.
By Monday morning, crowds were packing local bars, parks, and official watch party venues like Texas Live! in Arlington and Sundance Square Plaza in Fort Worth.
Inside Dallas (AT&T) Stadium, the Argentina-Austria group stage match drew 70,649 spectators - an official sell-out crowd and the highest attendance yet for a World Cup match at the venue, officials said. One local news reporter said the crowd seemed 90 percent for Argentina. Their World Cup ticket scored them a date with history.
Good news for fans: Messi and company will be back in town when Argentina plays Jordan at Dallas Stadium on June 27 at 9 pm.
Scroll through a gallery of photos, above, from professional Getty photographers and snaps shared by local venues of the Messi Mania across Dallas-Fort Worth.

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