Argentina coach Scaloni confirms Gonzalo Montiel for World Cup squad

Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni cleared right‑back Gonzalo Montiel for the 2026 World Cup after a medical check confirmed his fitness. Montiel, who returned to training following a lingering injury, came on as a substitute in the friendly against Iceland and impressed the coaching staff, prompting Scaloni to state, “I saw him well, he wanted to play more. He’s a player who always delivers when we call him.”

Separately, the medical staff will perform an MRI on goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez to determine if the fracture in his right ring finger, sustained in the Europa League final, has healed sufficiently for him to be considered for Argentina’s opening match against Algeria. If the scan shows proper bone healing, Martínez could join full training and be eligible for the squad.

Both updates come as Argentina prepares to defend its title in the tournament to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.