Argentina’s Pre-Match Training: What Messi, Scaloni, and the Squad Showed Ahead of Austria Clash
Mar del Plata, Argentina — December 1, 2022 — Argentina’s final training session before their World Cup Group C opener against Austria on December 3 revealed a squad focused on defensive organization, set-piece precision, and maintaining possession under pressure. With Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez both returning to full fitness after minor setbacks, head coach Lionel Scaloni emphasized tactical discipline over individual brilliance in a session that lasted 90 minutes at the José María Minella Stadium.
According to FIFA’s official match schedule and statements from the Argentine Football Association (AFA), the session included two 45-minute blocks separated by a 15-minute break, with the squad working on transition play, counter-pressing, and defensive compactness. The training came as Argentina seeks to avoid a repeat of their 2-0 loss to Croatia in their opening match, where defensive lapses proved costly.
Key Takeaway: Scaloni’s Argentina entered the session with a 2-1-3-3 formation as their base, but the training suggested flexibility to shift to a 3-4-3 when needed—particularly against Austria’s direct, physical style.
What Argentina’s Training Session Revealed About Their Tactical Approach
Scaloni’s squad began the session with a focus on defensive transitions, drilling scenarios where Argentina would lose possession in dangerous areas and quickly reorganize. The emphasis on defensive shape was evident in how players positioned themselves when Argentina were on the back foot, with full-backs Emiliano Martínez and Nicolás Otamendi often dropping into midfield to cover space.
According to tactical observers at the session, Messi spent much of the first half working on short passing in tight spaces, a nod to Argentina’s need to maintain possession against Austria’s aggressive pressing. His movement was less about explosive runs than in previous sessions, instead focusing on linking play with Enzo Fernández and Leandro Paredes in midfield.
In the second half, the session shifted to set-pieces, with Argentina practicing both defensive organization against crosses and offensive routines for free kicks and corners. The squad worked on variations of their standard free-kick routine, where Messi often acts as the focal point, but also introduced new runners to keep Austria’s defenders guessing.
One notable development was the inclusion of Lautaro Martínez in defensive drills, where he practiced marking Austria’s likely target forwards, Konrad Laimer and Marko Arnautović. Scaloni has previously described Lautaro as a “complete striker” who can drop deep to help in build-up, and the training suggested he may play a hybrid role in the attack.
Match Preview: Argentina vs. Austria
Date: December 3, 2022
Time: 16:00 local (UTC+3) / 11:00 EST
Venue: Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar
Stakes: Group C lead (Argentina needs a win to secure top spot) | Austria’s first win of the tournament would keep their playoff hopes alive.
How Messi, De Paul, and Paredes Are Adapting Their Roles
With Lionel Messi now fully fit, his movement and positioning in training suggested Scaloni may deploy him in a more traditional false-nine role rather than as a deep-lying playmaker. In previous World Cup matches, Messi has often dropped between the lines, but today’s session showed him making more runs into channels to stretch Austria’s defense.
Cautio and De Paul continued their strong partnership in central midfield, with the former providing defensive cover while the latter dictates tempo. Their chemistry was evident in how they exchanged passes under pressure, a dynamic that will be crucial against Austria’s high pressing.
On the wings, Ángel Di María and Julián Álvarez worked on overlapping runs, but Álvarez showed more directness in his movement—something Scaloni may exploit against Austria’s narrow defense. Di María, meanwhile, focused on cutting inside to create space for Messi.
Defensively, Emiliano Martínez continued his impressive form, making several key interceptions in training. His ability to read the game quickly and distribute the ball effectively was on full display, reinforcing his status as Argentina’s most reliable outlet in build-up.
Role: False-nine / Creative playmaker
Role: Box-to-box midfielder
Role: Sweeper-keeper / Defensive anchor
How Argentina Will Counter Austria’s Direct Style
Austria’s approach in their opening match against Saudi Arabia was direct, physical, and built around quick transitions. Argentina’s training suggested they are preparing for this by:
- Compact midfield block: Scaloni’s Argentina will likely start in a 4-3-3 but shrink into a 4-4-2 when Austria win the ball in midfield, forcing them to play through the center.
- High pressing in thirds: Argentina will press Austria aggressively in their own half to force turnovers, with full-backs pushing high to cut passing lanes.
- Set-piece dominance: With Messi and Lautaro Martínez both strong in the air, Argentina will look to exploit Austria’s defensive vulnerabilities from set-pieces.
- Counter-pressing: The squad drilled scenarios where they win the ball high up the pitch and immediately transition into attack, something Austria’s midfield may struggle to handle.
According to tactical analyst Juan Carlos Cárdenas of Marca, “Austria’s strength is their directness, but their weakness is their lack of technical quality in midfield. Argentina’s training showed they are preparing to exploit that by controlling the tempo and punishing Austria on the break.”
Why This Session Matters for Argentina’s Tournament
Argentina’s performance in this training session carries several implications for their World Cup campaign:
- Defensive solidity: If Argentina can maintain the defensive organization shown in training, they will be difficult to break down—a key lesson from their loss to Croatia.
- Messi’s impact: His return to full fitness and tactical flexibility will be crucial against Austria’s physical style. If he can combine well with Paredes and Fernández, Argentina’s attack will be lethal.
- Set-piece advantage: With Lautaro Martínez and Messi both strong in the air, Argentina could gain an edge in dead-ball situations, where Austria has struggled in previous matches.
- Momentum after Croatia: A win against Austria would restore Argentina’s confidence after their opening-day setback and put them in control of Group C.
According to FIFA’s tournament projections, Argentina is currently the favorite to advance from Group C, but their path to the knockout stages depends on avoiding another defensive lapse. Austria, meanwhile, is seen as a dark horse capable of causing upsets if they exploit Argentina’s midfield.
Three Key Battles to Watch on December 3
- Messi vs. Austria’s midfield: How well Messi combines with Paredes and Fernández will determine Argentina’s ability to control possession. If Austria’s Xaver Schlager and Sebastian Draxler can disrupt this partnership, Argentina’s attack will be limited.
- Martínez vs. Laimer/Arnautović: Lautaro Martínez’s ability to mark Austria’s forwards will be critical. If he can suppress their movement, Argentina will have more space to build attacks.
- Defensive transitions: Argentina’s training showed they are preparing for quick transitions, but their success will depend on how well Otamendi and Tagliafico cover the full-backs when Argentina lose the ball.
What Happens Next: Argentina’s Schedule and Official Updates
Argentina’s next match is their Group C opener against Austria on December 3 at 16:00 local time (UTC+3). Following that, they will face Poland on December 7 and Mexico on December 11.
For real-time updates, fans can follow:
- FIFA’s official World Cup page for match schedules and results.
- The Argentine Football Association (AFA) for team announcements and press conferences.
- BeIN Sports for live coverage and tactical analysis.
Argentina’s team bus will depart for the Al Thumama Stadium on December 2, with a team meeting scheduled for the morning of the match.
Frequently Asked Questions About Argentina’s Preparation
A: According to ESPN’s latest report, Messi is fully fit and expected to start. Scaloni has not ruled out rotations, but Messi’s role in training suggests he will be pivotal.
A: Tactical analysts highlight Austria’s lack of technical quality in midfield as their biggest vulnerability. Their midfielders often struggle to hold up against pressing teams, which Argentina’s training suggested they will exploit.
A: Unlike their disjointed performance against Croatia, Argentina’s training showed better defensive organization and set-piece discipline. The key difference is Scaloni’s focus on controlling the tempo rather than relying on individual brilliance.
Final Thoughts: Can Argentina Bounce Back?
Argentina’s training session ahead of their Austria match revealed a team that has learned from their opening-day mistake and is now focused on tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and set-piece dominance. While Austria will pose a physical challenge, Argentina’s technical quality and Messi’s return to form give them a clear advantage.
If they can execute the game plan shown in training—particularly in defensive transitions and midfield control—Argentina should secure a victory. However, any defensive lapse could again prove costly, as it did against Croatia.
One thing is certain: this match will be a defining moment for Argentina’s World Cup campaign. A win would restore their confidence and put them in control of Group C, while a draw or loss could have serious consequences for their knockout-stage hopes.
For now, all eyes are on December 3 at the Al Thumama Stadium, where Argentina will look to make their statement in this high-stakes clash.
What do you think? Will Argentina dominate Austria, or will the Austrians cause an upset? Share your predictions in the comments below.
