New Delhi, June 23 -- Argentina and France, the two finalists of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, secured their round-of-32 places on Monday following victories in their respective second-round group-stage games.

Veteran forward Lionel Messi was once again the star for Argentina as they defeated Austria 2-0 in Dallas on Monday.

Last week, Messi had scored a stunning hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's 3-0, and this time around too, he would have got another had it not been for a penalty miss in the first half.

Nevertheless, Argentina's quest to defend the FIFA World Cup title remained alive, as they joined Mexico, USA and Germany in the round of 32, with France having qualified later on Monday.

Messi was once again the hero for Argentina...