The Argentina team faces setbacks with the medical conditions of its athletes before the start of the World Cup, a situation that could create an opportunity for a Palmeiras professional. Coach Lionel Scaloni evaluates Giay as a direct exchange option to make up for any absences of Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel, the two main names on the right side of the country.
The Palmeiras defender was present in the previous period of international games and received the call-up for the preparatory matches that precede the World Cup, although his name is not yet included in the definitive list of the tournament.
The player started among the starters and performed well in the 2-0 victory against Honduras, which took place last Saturday, with the chance to play again this Tuesday, in the clash against Iceland, scheduled for 9:30 pm in American territory, which ends Argentina’s preparation period for the World Cup.
The Palmeiras board is closely monitoring the call-up scenario, so much so that it provided the young man with the same commemorative item given to the other members of the squad who will participate in the FIFA competition. The personalized souvenir was taken by Flaco López, a striker who is already duly confirmed in the group that will compete in the tournament.
There is an environment of optimism internally for Giay to get the spot and compete in the World Cup, a scenario previously considered remote. Professionals who follow Palmeiras’ routine believe that the call would reward the athlete’s great technical phase this season, which represents the 22-year-old’s best professional moment.
Soon after arriving at the club, Giay had to deal with skepticism from fans, however he secured his place among the starters through consistent performances throughout 2026. Currently, the Argentine athlete occupies the right side in the main lineup assembled by coach Abel Ferreira, having surpassed Khellven in the internal competition for the spot.
In the balance of the year, Giay accumulated 26 matches played and is among the ten Palmeiras professionals with the highest minutes on the field in this round. Seen as a component of primarily defensive characteristics, the Argentina player continues in search of his first assist or goal of the year.
Including Giay, Palmeiras has a total of seven athletes selected to compete in the World Cup: Emiliano Martínez (Uruguay), Flaco López (Argentina), Gustavo Gómez (Paraguay), Joaquín Piquerez (Uruguay), Mauricio (Paraguay) and Ramón Sosa (Paraguay). The current volume establishes the largest transfer of players in the club’s history for an edition of the world tournament.
Will Molina and Montiel recover in time?
This question remains the main dilemma faced by coach Lionel Scaloni in charge of Argentina. The duo played a crucial role in winning the world title at the World Cup in 2022, but went through periods of physical instability in the preparation for the tournament that starts this week.
Holding the starting spot, Nahuel Molina suffered a bruise on his thigh and remains under the care of the medical department. The physical setback seen in Gonzalo Montiel is located in the quadriceps region, and both are accompanying the delegation that will play in the World Cup, but were not even listed on the bench for the duel against Honduras.
The technical committee’s plan is to have the two defenders fully recovered for the World Cup, remembering that Argentina has a deadline of the 15th to make official changes due to injury to the list sent to FIFA. Coach Lionel Scaloni signaled that both are fit to play for the challenge against Iceland, although the clinical situation causes concern.
– Montiel and Molina are available. Tomorrow’s game is important, we have to play seriously. Seeing everything that is happening, I am worried, I want everyone to end well – he said.
The Argentina team’s debut at the World Cup is scheduled for next Tuesday, July 16th, in a clash against Algeria. The match valid for the first round is scheduled for 10pm (Brasília time), taking place in the city of Kansas City.