20/06/2026 13:45 - Deportes
Jugador de fútbol de la selección argentina entrenando en cancha de césped verde, con vestimenta oficial azul y blanca, preparando partido del Mundial 2026
Gonzalo Montiel, who started in the opening victory against Algeria, has suffered a right hamstring injury and will not be available for the match against Austria. The game is scheduled for Monday, June 22, at 22:00 (local Dallas time) as part of the second round of Group J in the 2026 World Cup.
According to reports from the Argentine camp, Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid defender) is the favorite to replace him in the starting lineup.
Despite Montiel's absence, there is good news. All 26 players trained normally in the latest session. Nicolás Tagliafico has fully recovered from a muscle tear and could see his first minutes of the tournament against the Austrians.
Leandro Paredes is also fit again after missing the opener due to a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Boca Juniors. He could start on the bench.
Meanwhile, Julián Álvarez is managing an ankle issue, giving Lautaro Martínez a strong chance to partner with Lionel Messi in attack.
Argentina currently leads Group J with 3 points and a goal difference of +3, following a dominant 3-0 win over Algeria. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in that game.
With that performance, Messi tied Miroslav Klose's record for most World Cup goals (16 goals) and celebrated his 200th appearance for the national team.
A win against Austria would virtually guarantee Argentina a spot in the Round of 16.
Coach Lionel Scaloni seems reluctant to change a winning formula. He is expected to keep Facundo Medina as the starting left-back over Tagliafico, rewarding Medina's strong performance in the debut.
The midfield unit of De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, and Almada is expected to remain unchanged. Up front, Lautaro Martínez would join captain Lionel Messi.
To celebrate Flag Day (Día de la Bandera), the city of Neuquén in Patagonia inaugurated a massive 26-meter tall statue honoring Lionel Messi. This is the tallest monument ever built for the Argentine captain worldwide.
It adds to the numerous murals, songs, and statues dedicated to the Rosario star across the country.
"In a World Cup, you can never be 100% calm," stated Pablo Aimar, assistant to Scaloni. He added:
"Scaloni has formed a great team and a great group of people moving in the same direction. We feel joy for a good start—something we didn't experience in the previous World Cup—but also caution."
Sources: TyC Sports, AS.com
Alfredo S. Quiroga
