Argentina edged Austria 2-0 in Group J, with Lionel Messi scoring both goals. Center‑back Cristian Romero exited in the 57th minute after a knee knock. Head coach Lionel Scaloni said the club already flagged a ligament issue; the national squad will await further tests before deciding Romero’s availability for the next game in the World Cup schedule ahead of the knockout.

Scaloni added that medical staff will run scans on Tuesday and Wednesday, noting the injury was first noticed in mid‑April while Romero played for Tottenham. The defender missed six Premier League matches after the original tests indicated a knee ligament tear. Argentina’s early exit from the group stage hinges on whether the veteran can return for the tournament in June.

Messi’s five goals have kept Argentina alive, but the absence of a solid back could expose gaps against Jordan. Scaloni stressed that even if Romero is sidelined, the squad has depth; still, having the full roster is preferable. The next match will test Argentina’s resilience and the medical team’s assessment will shape the knockout lineup for the World Cup campaign.