Scaloni reportedly to reshuffle Argentina starting XI for Austria after Messi hat-trick

Scaloni set to change his starting XI despite Messi masterclass

Who, what, when and why it matters: Lionel Scaloni has reportedly decided not to repeat Argentina's starting XI for their World Cup Matchday 2 game against Austria, even after Lionel Messi produced a hat-trick in the Albiceleste's opener versus Algeria. The change — reported by TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul and summarised in World Soccer Talk — matters because Scaloni’s rotation could affect Argentina’s balance and bench strength as they seek to defend the title.

Why it matters

Scaloni’s willingness to rotate is one of the manager’s defining traits from recent tournaments, and altering personnel after a dominant victory underlines that the manager is planning for match-specific challenges rather than sticking with a single winning formula. Changes to full-back or centre-forward roles would influence how Argentina defend wide areas and supply Messi, and could shape squad rhythm across the group stage.

What the report says and the selection dilemmas

According to the report, Scaloni wants to rotate several positions ahead of the Austria game. Right-back is highlighted as a potential change after criticism of the role in the opener; Nahuel Molina is mentioned as a candidate to replace Gonzalo Montiel as both players continue recovery timelines from recent knocks. In attack, Julian Alvarez is reportedly pushing for the centre-forward role against Lautaro Martinez, who has been managing ankle discomfort in recent days. The left-back spot is also under scrutiny: Nicolas Tagliafico faces late fitness tests as he works back from a muscle strain, but Facundo Medina’s composed display in the opener means there is no immediate pressure to rush the Lyon defender back in.

The report also notes that some squad members arrived at the pre-tournament camp with various physical discomforts and that additional fitness concerns surfaced in the build-up. It adds that some of those players could return to contention in the coming days, making late changes more likely.

Austria’s recent form and why Scaloni might tinker

Austria won their opening match 3-1 against Jordan (match_data confirms Austria 3-1 Jordan), a result that suggests they can score but may leave defensive vulnerabilities for Argentina to exploit. Scaloni’s reported inclination to alter personnel appears driven by a mix of tactical matchup thinking and managing fitness across a condensed tournament schedule.

Scaloni has a documented history of rotating lineups through major tournaments, starting different XIs during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup run and across the 2024 Copa America campaign. That pattern supports the idea he will tailor his selection to Austria rather than simply sticking with the side that beat Algeria.

Key points

• Report by TyC Sports insider Gaston Edul (summarised by World Soccer Talk) says Scaloni will change the starting XI for Argentina’s Matchday 2 game against Austria.
• Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening win over Algeria (source report).
• Right-back, centre-forward and left-back are the principal positions reportedly under review (Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina mentioned).
• Austria beat Jordan 3-1 in their opening match (match_data).
• Scaloni has a recent history of rotating his starting lineups during major tournaments.

What it means and what to watch for next

If Scaloni does reshuffle, the changes will be tactical and fitness-driven rather than an indictment of Messi’s influence — the manager is reported to be building a flexible tournament squad and will continue adjusting personnel to meet specific opponents. Watch for late fitness updates on Tagliafico, the right-back decision between Molina and Montiel, and whether Alvarez is given the centre-forward start in place of Martinez. Official confirmation of the starting XI and any final injury news will have to come from Argentina’s staff or match-day announcements; the current account remains a report rather than an official statement.