Lionel Scaloni is once again leaving room for surprise, and this time the unexpected name is Nicolás González. In Argentina’s round of 16 matchup against Egypt at the World Cup 2026, he could be the player who changes the balance in midfield and attack.
The possible twist is not just about bringing in a familiar squad member. It would likely come at the expense of a heavyweight such as Enzo Fernández or Alexis Mac Allister, which says plenty about the tactical weight of the decision.
What Nico González can add
Scaloni said at Monday’s press conference in Atlanta Stadium that the staff would try to give minutes to players who had not featured as much in order to keep the team fresher. González fits that idea well, because he can offer energy in a midfield that has looked a little worn down in the opening matches.
His versatility is another major reason he stands out. The former Atlético de Madrid player can operate as a fullback, midfielder, winger or even a center forward, giving the coaching staff multiple ways to adjust the shape of the team without changing its identity.
He could also help release Lionel Messi from having to stay so close to goal. In this tournament, Messi has taken on a more finishing-focused role, and González’s movement in attack could allow him to drop deeper and become more involved in buildup and chance creation.
| Possible contribution | How it helps Argentina | Support from the match context |
|---|---|---|
| Energy and pressing | Refreshes a midfield that has shown signs of fatigue | Scaloni wants fresher players for this stage |
| Positional flexibility | Lets Argentina adapt without losing structure | He can play in several roles |
| Width and aerial threat | Adds an attacking route down the flank and on set pieces | His heading ability could matter against Egypt |
There is also a clear path for González to help on the left side, where his work rate can combine with Nicolás Tagliafico. Tagliafico has already shown he can tuck inside and arrive in the box, which could create another layer of danger from wide areas.
Set pieces may be another important detail. González’s good heading ability could become a useful weapon if the match is decided by dead-ball situations.
Why he is suddenly in the conversation
Argentina’s difficult win over Cabo Verde in the round of 16 opened the door for changes. Three substitutions had been expected, but four are now likely, and González has become one of the main candidates to enter the starting discussion.
Against Cabo Verde in Miami, he came on in the 64th minute for Thiago Almada and brought a burst of energy even though he looked a bit rushed. Earlier in the tournament, he entered in the 55th minute against Algeria for Almada and in the 65th minute against Austria for Lautaro Martínez.
So far, González has played 116 minutes across 3 matches. He has one assist to Lionel Messi in the opener, a 72 percent pass completion rate, 4 shots and 4 ball recoveries.
The Stuttgart and Fiorentina alumnus missed the Qatar 2022 World Cup at the last moment because of injury, and he has long been one of Scaloni’s preferred options. That is why his possible inclusion against Egypt does not feel like a gamble as much as another example of how the coach keeps trusting players who fit the team’s needs.
EspnDeportes.espn.com has repeatedly highlighted Scaloni’s habit of saving one surprise, and González may be the latest version of that idea. For Argentina, the key question is not whether he is known, but whether his energy and flexibility can make the difference when the margin gets tighter.