Argentina XI vs Austria: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for World Cup | OneFootball

World champions will be without a key player for second Group J encounter in Dallas

Lionel Scaloni will be forced into at least one change for Argentina’s World Cup clash against Austria on Monday.

Gonzalo Montiel, scorer of the winning penalty in the World Cup final against France in 2022, has been ruled out of the second group stage game through injury.

The right-back was forced off at half-time of the 3-0 win over Algeria with a hamstring injury and while it is not thought to be too serious, he is not expected to be risked in Dallas.

If the Atletico Madrid winger does start then Thiago Almada will make way for his club team-mate. Though, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez are all set to keep their places in the engine room.

Ruled out: Gonzalo Montiel

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Captain Lionel Messi is a guaranteed starter as he goes in search of the goal that will make him the World Cup all-time top scorer. Turning 39 on Wednesday, creating history would be the perfect early birthday present, even if he is not expected to last the full 90 minutes.

It is between Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez as to who partners Messi in attack. The former got the nod against Algeria but struggled and was replaced ten minutes into the second half.

Alvarez - linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain - does have previous in linking up well with Messi and therefore might get the chance to re-establish that connection to seal Argentina’s place in the round of 32.