Cristian Romero was replaced early in the second half as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 at the 2026 World Cup, creating an immediate fitness concern for Tottenham Hotspur.
The centre-back started for Lionel Scaloni’s side in Dallas on Monday, 22 June, but did not complete the match. Nicolas Otamendi came on for Romero shortly after half-time, with the Tottenham defender’s condition now the key Spurs angle from a game otherwise dominated by Lionel Messi’s record-breaking double.
Argentina’s win moved the holders into a strong position in Group J, but Romero’s withdrawal matters beyond the national-team picture. He remains one of Tottenham’s most important defensive leaders, and any extended issue would be significant for Roberto De Zerbi’s planning before the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Tottenham now wait for Romero clarity
The injury detail remains one to treat carefully until Argentina or Tottenham issue a formal update. However, a fresh update from The Sun reported that Romero was forced off with a knee concern during the Austria match.
That makes the next medical bulletin important for Spurs supporters. Romero has already been central to Tottenham’s World Cup watch, with Kevin Danso also involved in the same fixture for Austria. What had been billed as a useful club-versus-club subplot has now become a fitness story around one of Tottenham’s senior defenders.
For now, the responsible line is simple: Argentina won, Messi made history, but Tottenham’s immediate focus will be on whether Romero’s early exit was precautionary or something more serious.
