Argentina will be forced into at least one change for their World Cup Group J clash against Austria on Monday, as right-back Gonzalo Montiel has been ruled out due to injury. Montiel, who scored the winning penalty in the 2022 World Cup final against France, suffered a hamstring injury during the first half of Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria and was substituted at half-time. While the injury is not considered serious, the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni is not expected to risk him in Dallas.
Defensive reshuffle
Nahuel Molina is likely to replace Montiel at right-back, completing a defence that features an all-Premier League centre-back pairing: Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero and Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez. The back four is expected to be rounded out by left-back, likely to be Nahuel Molina or a similar option.
Midfield options
In midfield, Scaloni may reward Nicolas Gonzalez with a start on the left wing after the Atletico Madrid winger came off the bench to provide an assist against Algeria. If Gonzalez starts, Thiago Almada is expected to drop to the bench. Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez are all set to retain their places in the engine room, providing a strong core.
Messi's milestone chase
Captain Lionel Messi is a guaranteed starter as he seeks the goal that would make him the all-time top scorer in World Cup history. Turning 39 on Wednesday, scoring would be the perfect early birthday present. However, he is not expected to play the full 90 minutes, given his age and the tournament schedule.
Striker partnership
The decision over who partners Messi in attack is between Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. Martinez started against Algeria but struggled and was substituted ten minutes into the second half. Alvarez, linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain, has previously formed a strong partnership with Messi and may get the nod to help seal Argentina's place in the round of 32.
Predicted lineup and match details
Predicted Argentina XI: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Gonzalez; Messi, Alvarez. Injured: Montiel. Time and date: 6pm BST on Monday, June 22, 2026. How to watch: BBC. Venue: Dallas Stadium.
