Scaloni loses Montiel and must reshape Argentina against Austria
Argentina arrive at their second group-stage match of the World Cup without one of their defensive pillars. Gonzalo Montiel, the hero of the penalty that sealed the title in 2022, is out of the clash against Austria, scheduled for next Monday in Dallas. The muscle injury that took him off the pitch at half-time of the 3-0 win over Algeria forces Lionel Scaloni to rethink at least one piece in his world-champion setup.
Molina takes over at full-back, defence keeps its Premier League duo
Montiel’s thigh injury does not appear to be serious, but the coaching staff does not want to take any risks. Nahuel Molina, of Atlético Madrid, should be the one chosen to take over the right side of the defence. The back four is completed by a centre-back pairing made up entirely of Premier League players: Cristian Romero, of Tottenham, and Lisandro Martínez, of Manchester United. A line that combines European consistency with tactical muscle.
The left-back slot goes to Nicolás Medina, keeping the balance Scaloni built throughout the post-Qatar cycle.
Stable midfield, but a doubt on the left flank
In the middle of the park, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández remain as starters. The trio that gave Argentina its backbone at the previous World Cup and the Copa América continues to be the spine of the team. But there is an open battle on the left wing.
Nicolás González came on well against Algeria and provided an assist. If he wins the spot, Thiago Almada – his team-mate at Atlético Madrid – makes way. It is a choice that says a lot about the style Scaloni wants to impose: more verticality or more collective volume of play.
Messi chases a record, and his attacking partner is still a question mark
Lionel Messi plays. That much is certain. At 38, and turning 39 on Wednesday, the number 10 is chasing a historic milestone: a goal that would make him the top scorer in the history of every World Cup combined. An early gift that no celebration could top. He is likely to be spared in the closing minutes – but the start is his.
Who partners Messi in attack is still up in the air. Lautaro Martínez started against Algeria but was taken off less than ten minutes into the second half without convincing. Julián Álvarez, a target of interest from Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the market, has a history of understanding with the number 10 and could be given the chance to reactivate that connection against the Austrians. Scaloni is expected to make the call in the coming hours.
Probable line-up: E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández, N. González; Messi, Álvarez. Kick-off is at 6pm (Brasília time) on Monday, at the Dallas Stadium.
