Argentina v Austria LIVE: Team news and latest updates as Lionel Messi chases more World Cup history – UK Times

Nahuel Molina is brought into the backline for an otherwise unchanged Argentina.

Argentina XI: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, L Martinez, Almada.

We’re expecting team news from the Dallas Stadium at some point in the near future. Argentina are set to be without Gonzalo Montiel due to a hamstring complaint, but will there be any other changes?

We must send well wishes to Lionel Messi’s father, with Jorge receiving treatment for a health issue. The family have understandably requested privacy.

There are a couple of World Cup contenders in action today, with France facing Iraq a little later. Where do Argentina sit in our tournament power rankings? Will Castle assesses the potential victors.

Lionel Messi will draw inevitable focus today and throughout this tournament, but could a less heralded Argentina player actually be key to their chances? Richard Jolly weak link theory posits that it is the 11th name on the team sheet that is most important, rather than the first.

Want to stay up to date on all the latest results, fixtures and group tables at this World Cup? We’ve got you covered.

Austria were also winners in their opening game of the tournament – though Ralf Rangnick may feel huge improvements are needed if they are to match Argentina today.

Richard Jolly, meanwhile, profiles a player who may end this World Cup with a genuine claim to be the greatest in tournament history.