Gonzalo Montiel trained with the group and could be on the bench for Argentina vs Austria, a small but real shift two days before the second match of Group J of the Mundial. Lionel Scaloni still has to settle the final XI for Monday at 14.00 in Dallas.
Compass Minerals National Performance Center
The closed session took place at the Compass Minerals National Performance Center in Kansas, where Selección Argentina worked on the anteúltima practice before the game. Montiel had only done part of Friday’s session with his teammates before training differently, so his return to the full group gives Scaloni another option at right back.
Scaloni’s XI
The coach is weighing two changes from the side that started against Argelia. Thiago Almada could give way to Nicolás González, and Julián Álvarez has a chance to replace Lautaro Martínez in the center of the attack. Nahuel Molina would get a place in the team because of Montiel’s discomfort, while Emiliano Martínez would remain in goal.
Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Facundo Medina would make up the rest of the defense. Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister appear fixed in midfield, and Lionel Messi would start again. Leandro Paredes and Nicolás Tagliafico could get minutes for the first time in the Mundial, which would add more decisions to a lineup that is still being shaped rather than locked.
Montiel and Jordania
Montiel’s status now sits between full fitness and caution. He trained normally with his teammates, but the physical discomfort around him still points Scaloni toward Molina if he needs a safer right-sided option against Austria in Dallas.
That leaves one main question for Monday: whether Scaloni leans into the attacking change with Nicolás González and Julián Álvarez, or sticks closer to the structure that opened with a 3 a 0 win over Argelia. Montiel is available for the coaching staff against Jordania next Saturday at 23.00 in Dallas, but the immediate decision is the one that will shape Argentina’s first starting XI of the tournament’s second round.
