A shock to Messi’s friends.. Scalloni is in trouble ahead of the match against Austria

Reigning champions Argentina have been dealt a painful blow ahead of next Monday night’s crucial match against Austria in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage after defender Gonzalo Montiel was confirmed to be out with an injury.

Foot Mercato website quoted a source close to Argentina as saying Montiel, 29, is suffering from a hamstring problem that will force him to rest and miss the match against Austria in a fresh blow to coach Lionel Scaloni, who is looking to strengthen his side’s position at the top of the group.

Montiel could make a gradual return against Jordan in the third and final round of the group stage, where he could play a few minutes to regain his fitness and test his readiness for the knockout stages.

But another option is being considered by Tango’s technical and medical staff, which is to completely rest the player and not risk him against Jordan to avoid any aggravation of the injury that could deprive Argentina of his services in the crucial stages of the tournament.

The Argentine team’s medical staff is closely monitoring the situation and will assess Montiel’s condition every day for the next few days before making a final decision on whether or not to play against Jordan.

Montiel had featured in Argentina’s opening match in the group stage before suffering thigh pains during a recent training session, prompting the medical team to undergo careful medical tests which confirmed the injury.