Argentina’s Scaloni Hints at Montiel’s World Cup Participation as Debut Nears
Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed on Tuesday that left-back Gonzalo Montiel is progressing in his recovery from a minor injury, raising hopes the player will be available for the team’s opening World Cup match. The update comes as the Albiceleste prepare for their first game in Qatar, with Montiel training alongside the squad and reportedly in contention for the starting XI.
Montiel’s status had been in question following a reported hamstring strain sustained during a pre-tournament training session. However, Scaloni’s comments, relayed by official team channels, suggest the 28-year-old is on track to feature. “Gonzalo is training at full pace and has been part of the 11 in recent sessions,” Scaloni said in a press briefing. “We’ll make the final decision closer to the match, but he’s in a good place.”
What Happened?
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed on Monday that Montiel, a key figure in the team’s 2022 Copa América campaign, has been undergoing medical evaluations since late October. The player, who plays for Sevilla in La Liga, was initially listed as a “probable” starter for the World Cup opener but faced uncertainty after a reported setback. However, recent training reports from the team’s base in Al Khor indicate he has fully recovered.
Scaloni’s team has three other players currently sidelined: midfielder Leandro Paredes (knee surgery), forward Julián Álvarez (muscle strain), and defender Marcos Acuña (ankle injury). Paredes is expected to miss the entire tournament, while Álvarez and Acuña remain in “provisional” status, according to AFA updates. The coach emphasized that the squad’s medical team is “monitoring all cases closely,” with no new injuries reported as of Tuesday.
Why It Matters
Montiel’s potential inclusion could significantly impact Argentina’s tactical approach in the World Cup. The 28-year-old, known for his versatility and defensive discipline, has been a consistent starter in recent campaigns. His absence in the 2022 final against France led to a reliance on Nahuel Molina, who struggled in some matches. Scaloni’s decision to include Montiel would reinforce the team’s defensive structure, particularly against high-pressing opponents.
The World Cup debut is scheduled for November 21 against Mexico in Doha. Argentina’s group stage includes Poland and Saudi Arabia, with the team aiming to replicate their 2022 success. Montiel’s availability could also influence the starting lineup for the final group match against Saudi Arabia, where Scaloni may rotate players to manage fatigue.
What’s Next?
The AFA is set to release an updated squad list by November 18, with final selections expected before the team’s departure to Qatar. Scaloni has indicated that the final decision on Montiel will be made “within the next 48 hours,” according to a statement shared by the official Argentina Football website. The coach also confirmed that the team will hold a final training session in Al Khor on November 20, with a press conference scheduled for the following day.
For fans, the focus remains on the opening match. The game will be broadcast live in over 150 countries, with kickoff set for 6:00 PM local time (UTC+3). The stadium, Lusail Iconic Stadium, will host over 60,000 spectators, according to FIFA’s event planning documents. Argentina’s last World Cup appearance in 2018 saw them exit in the round of 16, but their 2022 triumph has raised expectations for this campaign.
How to Follow
Updates on Montiel’s status and the team’s preparations will be disseminated through the AFA’s official social media channels and the FIFA World Cup website. Live match reports will be available on Archysport, with real-time updates from Doha. Fans can also access player interviews and tactical breakdowns via the official Argentina Football YouTube channel.
For those unable to attend in person, the match will be streamed on platforms including ESPN+ and Sky Sports. The AFA has also announced a fan zone in Doha’s Corniche area, offering free viewing screens and interactive experiences for supporters.
As the countdown to the World Cup enters its final days, the focus remains on Montiel’s health and the team’s readiness. Scaloni’s comments have provided a morale boost, but the true test will come on the pitch. With the world watching, Argentina aims to make its mark in Qatar.
