Lionel Scaloni Casts Doubt on Julian Alvarez Role Ahead of Austria Clash
Lionel Scaloni has cast fresh doubt over Julián Álvarez's role for the Argentina national team ahead of their World Cup clash with the Austria national team. Álvarez was expected to be one of Argentina's main attacking pieces at this tournament, but his fitness issues have made things more complicated than expected.
He was only used from the bench in the opening game against the Algeria national team and Scaloni's latest comments suggest he may not be ready to start this one either. With Argentina looking to build early momentum in their title defence, the situation leaves Scaloni with a tricky call in attack and raises more questions over when Álvarez will finally be fit enough to lead the line from the start.
Speaking to the media Scaloni said, "I'm putting in the ones who are in the best shape. The idea I had in my head beforehand doesn't matter. Today Julián is still working. Paredes is available to play tomorrow. Montiel is also available. With Nico Tagliafico we're taking it slow to get him right."
Lionel Scaloni: "Pongo a los que mejor están. No importa la idea que tenía en la cabeza previamente. Hoy Julián sigue trabajando. Paredes está para jugar mañana. Montiel también está disponible. Con Nico Tagliafico vamos despacio para tenerlo bien". pic.twitter.com/a4CeqQ0zsC
— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) June 22, 2026
Argentina go into the Austria game knowing a win would already send them into the next round, which is a pretty strong position to be in after just two matches. They started the tournament exactly how they would have wanted, beating the Algeria national team 3-0, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick and moving level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals.
That gives Argentina plenty of confidence, but this should still be a proper test. Austria also won their opening game, beating the Jordan national team 3-1, although the performance was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggested. Ralf Rangnick's side had to work hard for it and needed late moments to finally pull away.
The main challenge for Argentina will be dealing with Austria's pressing. Rangnick's teams usually try to make games chaotic, win the ball high and stop opponents from settling into rhythm. That means Argentina's midfield will need to be sharp, especially with Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández expected to control the game.
Scaloni also has a few selection calls to make. Gonzalo Montiel is being monitored, with Nahuel Molina ready if needed, while Lautaro Martínez could again be important in attack. Argentina are favourites, but Austria have enough intensity to make this awkward if the champions start slowly.
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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 3:55 AM.