Scaloni Makes Last-Minute Changes to the Argentine National Team Against the Austrian Team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Molina returns to the starting eleven and Almada gains prominence, while Austria warns that the champion goes beyond Messi.

Second game for Argentina

The Argentine National Team is fine-tuning details ahead of their second World Cup match, and Lionel Scaloni hinted at modifications aimed at maintaining the solidity of the reigning champion. The albiceleste coach emphasized that the main difference compared to the squad that won the World Cup in Qatar is the gradual incorporation of new pieces without altering the essence of the team.

"After Qatar, we have played good matches." I think we have maintained a line and added Thiago (Almada) who had fewer minutes. He gives us a bit of what Ángel (Di María) used to give us on the other wing. We have people on the bench who can change things for us, Giuliano (Simeone), Nico (Paz). "The team can improve," Scaloni explained, making it clear that renewal coexists with the continuity of the championship-winning core.

Sabitzer's comment and Scaloni's possible change

The opponent of the moment, Austria, also referred to Argentina's prowess. Marcel Sabitzer, a key figure in European midfield, highlighted that the Albiceleste does not solely depend on Lionel Messi: "Argentina has exceptional players in the midfield who play for the best teams in the world." "I'm not going to make comparisons with other teams, but this is a team that goes far beyond Messi," he stated at a press conference.

Regarding the formation of the starting eleven, the only confirmed change would be the return of Nahuel Molina in place of Gonzalo Montiel. The River defender, who is carrying a strain in his right hamstring, completed the practice, but all indications are that he will take a place on the bench.

Scaloni, true to his style of not giving definitive clues in the trials, seems determined to maintain his confidence in Facundo Medina on the left side, Thiago Almada in the midfield, and Lautaro Martínez in the attack. Speculations about Nicolás Tagliafico's return after overcoming his injury and Julián Álvarez's return to the attack are, for now, on hold.

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The new possible lineup

With this outlook, the starting eleven that is shaping up to kick off the match against Austria would be: Emiliano Dibu Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Cuti Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada, Lionel Messi, and Lautaro Martínez.