Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager has drawn attention ahead of Austria’s second World Cup Group J match against Argentina in Dallas on Monday. The 30-year-old admitted in a press conference that he is a devoted fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, not Lionel Messi, yet he openly praised Messi’s extraordinary consistency and influence on the field. The match is crucial for Argentina to secure a knockout stage berth and for Messi to break the all-time World Cup goal record, which he currently shares with Miroslav Klose after a hat-trick against Algeria.

Austria, returning to the World Cup after 28 years, began their campaign strongly with a 3–1 win over Jordan, where Schlager performed impressively. However, he acknowledged that facing Argentina and Messi presents a completely different challenge. Schlager described Messi’s presence as creating a unique psychological pressure on opponents and an inspiring energy within his own team.

Schlager expressed determination to give his best to stop Messi’s magic, as fans await whether the Argentine captain can claim the record outright in this high-stakes encounter.

Austria has expelled three employees of the Russian Embassy in Vienna on charges of espionage. Authorities said the diplomats used embassy facilities for surveillance and intelligence activities. The decision followed an investigation into suspicious monitoring equipment found on the roof of the Russian diplomatic building in Vienna, which was suspected of intercepting satellite communications of international organizations.

Officials stated that the three expelled staff members were believed to be involved in the operation. Austria requested the withdrawal of their diplomatic immunity, but Russia did not respond within the given timeframe. Consequently, the individuals were declared persona non grata and have already left Austria. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that the government maintains a strict stance against espionage and will not tolerate misuse of diplomatic privileges.

Since the start of the Ukraine war, Austria has intensified scrutiny of Russian activities in Vienna. The country has expelled a total of 14 Russian diplomats since 2022, though around 220 Russian personnel remain active in various missions.

Austria has rejected a request from the United States to use its airspace for a military operation against Iran. The Austrian Defense Ministry stated that the decision was made in line with the country’s long-standing policy of neutrality. According to a report by the state broadcaster ORF, Washington had made multiple such requests, though the exact number was not disclosed.

A spokesperson for the Defense Ministry said that each request would be reviewed individually and coordinated with the Foreign Ministry. Austria has maintained a policy of military neutrality for decades, and while it has not imposed a blanket ban on US military aircraft, each request is being considered separately.

The report also noted that Spain and Italy have taken similar positions. Spain announced that its airspace would remain closed to US military aircraft involved in the conflict, while Italy recently denied Washington permission to use a military base in Sicily.

At least five people have been killed in a severe snowstorm that struck Austria, causing widespread power outages and transport disruptions. Officials reported that one person died in the northern city of Linz, while four skiers were killed in avalanches in the Tyrol region. Three of them died near the St. Anton ski resort, and another was killed in Nauders, where one more person was injured.

The storm has brought up to 16 inches of snowfall since Thursday, prompting warnings in southeastern Austria, particularly around the city of Graz. This winter season’s avalanche death toll in the country has now reached 21. Vienna International Airport was temporarily closed on Friday morning, and afternoon services were also affected.

According to the national automobile association ÖAMTC, several major highways near Vienna were closed for hours. Power companies reported outages in southern and eastern regions, including Styria, where about 30,000 homes lost electricity.

Austria’s parliament has passed a new law banning girls under 14 from wearing the hijab in schools, a move the government says is intended to protect minors from coercion. The legislation, approved on Thursday, applies to all public and private schools and will take effect next February. Initially, authorities will focus on explaining the new rules to teachers, parents, and students before imposing fines on repeat violations.

Human rights organizations and opposition parties have criticized the measure as discriminatory and unconstitutional. The Green Party voted against the bill, arguing it violates freedom of religion. The conservative-led government, under pressure from rising anti-immigration sentiment, insists the law is constitutional and aims to promote gender equality. A similar 2019 ban on headscarves in primary schools was previously overturned by Austria’s Constitutional Court.

The new regulation is expected to affect around 12,000 girls nationwide. Analysts warn the policy could deepen social divisions and face renewed legal challenges in the coming months.

Austrian NATO committee member Gunther Fellinger has ignited outrage by calling for the breakup of India along religious, linguistic, and regional lines. Posting a map on social media, he suggested North India as Khalistan and proposed separate states for other regions. He claimed discussions with Sikh activists focused on achieving Khalistan’s independence and freeing India from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s influence. The remarks have drawn sharp criticism, highlighting tensions over foreign interference and divisive narratives targeting India’s sovereignty and unity.

As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel following an Israeli strike on an Iranian nuclear facility, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called an emergency meeting. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday morning in Vienna, Austria, where the IAEA headquarters is located.

The emergency session was convened at the formal request of Russia and Venezuela, who urged the agency to address the growing crisis.

Austria has announced three days of national mourning following a horrific mass shooting at a high school in Graz, where a 21-year-old former student killed 10 people, including eight students and a teacher, before taking his own life. The attack, described by Chancellor Christian Stocker as a “dark day” in Austria’s history, has left the nation in shock. Authorities have yet to determine the motive, while tributes pour in from across Europe. Schools, officials, and citizens mourn this devastating tragedy.