Goal efficiency
How clinical and direct the player was in front of goal — volume, accuracy, and conversion.
Palmeiras · CONMEBOL Libertadores · Defender · #4 · Argentina · 21 yrs
A. Giay plays as a defender for Palmeiras. A. Giay is a Argentine international, 21 years old, defender, currently at Palmeiras. A. Giay wears shirt number 4 for Palmeiras. A. Giay was born in Argentina on 2004-01-16. A. Giay is 180 cm tall and weighs 73 kg. A. Giay's Sportra profile tracks season statistics across CONMEBOL Libertadores, Paulista - A1, Liga Profesional Argentina, Friendlies, and other leagues. A. Giay's page brings together career clubs, trophies, injury history, multi-competition stats, and related news headlines. On Sportra you can explore A. Giay season statistics, transfer history, trophies, injury updates, and related news across every competition tracked in the profile.
| Season | Team |
|---|---|
| 2026 |  Argentina ARG |
| 2026 |  Palmeiras PAL |
| 2025 | Palmeiras PAL |
| 2024 | Palmeiras PAL |
| 2023 |  Argentina U20 |
| Date | Type | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-07-10 | N/A |  San Lorenzo LOR | Palmeiras PAL |
Season intelligence
Profile as Defender: defensive work, high usage. Archetype: Ball-winning midfielder. Season rating 6.9.
Scaled 0–99 from season output — map to fantasy, comparisons, or scouting cards.
Per-90 rates, efficiency ratios, and Sportra indices from season totals.
How clinical and direct the player was in front of goal — volume, accuracy, and conversion.
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Isolation threat and progressive carrying — volume plus success rate.
How often they draw fouls and stay out of trouble with cards.
Tackles, duels, and off-ball defensive contribution.
Shot-stopping, goals conceded, and penalty saves.
Minutes, availability, and how central they were to the team.
Every tracked category for this league and season, grouped by Sportra.
Emiliano Buendia's chances to be part of the World Cup remain alive as Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni claimed that Leonardo Balerdi's position "can be covered" already. Emiliano Buendía was one of the more surprising omissions from Argentina‘s official 26-man World Cup roster following a prolific season at Aston Villa, but his chances of representing the Albiceleste in North America are still alive. With Lionel Scaloni now forced to find a replacement for the injured Leonardo Balerdi, the head coach has suggested the defensive void “can be covered,” while leaving the door wide open on who fills it. The Argentine Football Association confirmed ahead of the Honduras friendly that Balerdi had sustained a muscle injury to the soleus in his right leg during a training session, effectively ruling him out of the tournament. While several defenders have been mentioned as potential replacements, Scaloni has been deliberately vague, declining to limit the search to a natural right-footed center back. At his pre-Iceland press conference, Scaloni expanded on his thinking when asked about potential replacements: “Saying it after the match, I don’t know. But we will have a clearer picture. Fortunately, we can take these few days and by Wednesday, the boy we decide on can be with us. In Balerdi’s position, we can be covered, and we will see where we draw from. We have an idea, and based on how we finish, we will see. I don’t think it will go past Wednesday.“ Scaloni’s comments are consistent with reporting from Argentina insider Gaston Edul, who indicated that Balerdi’s replacement would not necessarily be a right-sided center back. With Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi both capable of covering that position, the search has widened to include other areas of the squad, opening the door for Buendia among others. Leonardo Balerdi of Argentina. Buendia’s competition for the vacant spot According to ESPN Argentina‘s Diego Monroig, Buendia is among the players Scaloni has contacted to put their vacation plans on hold, as they remain in contention for a spot in the final World Cup roster. The door had initially cracked open primarily for Nico Paz, who has since recovered from his injury, but Balerdi’s setback has created a fresh vacancy that multiple players are now competing to fill. Two names already part of the pre-tournament tour are in the running. Nicolas Capaldo and Agustín Giay were originally brought along to cover for the injured Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, but one or both could now find themselves earning a permanent place in the squad heading into the tournament. In the midfield, Scaloni is also weighing different profiles. Como’s Maximo Perrone has been reported as a potential option, with Scaloni reportedly asking him to keep training and remain available. Perhaps the most intriguing name to emerge in recent hours is defensive midfielder and World Cup champion Guido Rodríguez, a holding profile that the current squad notably lacks. Buendia, who has been exceptional under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, offers the ability to play out wide on the right or operate as a No. 10 in a more central role. While that space is already crowded with Messi as an unmovable presence and Nico Paz as the creative understudy, Buendia’s versatility and form could still be enough to earn him a late invitation to the World Cup.
After Leonardo Balerdi's injury, Lionel Scaloni opened the door for even more changes in Argentina's 2026 World Cup roster. Argentina have already taken their first roster hit with Leonardo Balerdi ruled out of the 2026 World Cup due to injury, and head coach Lionel Scaloni has not closed the door on further changes being made to the squad before the tournament begins. Prior to the game against Honduras, the Argentine Football Association confirmed that Balerdi had sustained a muscle injury to the soleus in his right leg, effectively ending his World Cup before it started. At the post-match press conference, Scaloni addressed the situation directly. “Yesterday when I sat down at the press conference, I was hoping that it wouldn’t be what we all expected, and in the end it was confirmed that Balerdi has a soleus issue and we have to withdraw him because he doesn’t meet the minimum requirements to be able to help us at least in the group stage, and it was too risky,” he explained. Scaloni leaves door open for more roster changes Balerdi’s setback forces Scaloni to dip back into the preliminary 55-man list in search of defensive cover. However, no replacement has been confirmed yet, with the coach indicating he may still need to make additional adjustments beyond the Balerdi situation. Lautaro Martinez of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring against Honduras. When asked about a potential replacement, Scaloni issued a broader warning about the squad’s overall fitness. “We believe — I don’t want to cause alarm either — but we are not at 100% with several of the players, and maybe it doesn’t just involve the center backs. We are going to wait,” he said. Scaloni has set Tuesday’s friendly against Iceland on June 9 as the deadline for making decisions, both on Balerdi’s replacement and any other potential changes. “We have the opportunity of one more match and we are going to draw conclusions based on what the team needs. We are not going to make a decision until Tuesday’s match and seeing how the rest are. We will wait,” he added. Three players walking a thin line Even Lionel Messi had been managing some discomfort upon joining the squad, though he, Nico Paz and Julian Alvarez have shown signs of improvement ahead of the World Cup debut. That leaves three players still firmly in Scaloni’s sights as potential roster changes in the coming days. According to TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel and Leandro Paredes are the three names generating the most concern within the Albiceleste setup. None of the three were able to train with the squad ahead of the Honduras friendly, and none made it onto the substitutes’ bench for the match. Both right backs Molina and Montiel are managing muscle tears, which is why Scaloni brought in Agustin Giay and Nicolas Capaldo for the pre-tournament tour, with both Giay and Capaldo featuring against Honduras. Paredes, meanwhile, is dealing with a low-grade muscle tear from his most recent club action, leaving him unable to train normally and making him the most pressing concern of the three ahead of any potential roster decision in the coming days.
Lionel Scaloni is finalizing his tactical setup for tonight's pre-World Cup friendly against Honduras, with captain Lionel Messi not expected to feature in the starting lineup. Lionel Messi’s Argentina are putting the finishing touches on their tactical layout as they prepare to face Honduras in their first pre-World Cup warm-up match tonight at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. Navigating an incredibly complicated fitness landscape—further compounded by the devastating news that Leonardo Balerdi has been entirely ruled out of the tournament with a muscle tear—head coach Lionel Scaloni is beginning to finalize the lineup for tonight’s game. While Messi successfully returned to partial squad training and has shaken off the worst of his recent hamstring issues, the coaching staff refuses to take any unnecessary risks. The global icon being preserved on the bench tonight, with the realistic ceiling being a brief appearance to log a few low-intensity minutes. The outlook is far more definitive for several other squad members who continue their isolated recovery programs and have been entirely ruled out for tonight’s clash. Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, and Nico Paz did not participate in any on-pitch tactical work. 🏆 #SelecciónMayor🗓️ Amistoso Internacional⚽ @Argentina 🇦🇷 🆚 #Honduras 🇭🇳🕐 21.00🏟️ Kyle Field📝 https://t.co/FrabKppReW📣 ¡Ya palpitamos la #CopaMundial2026! ⭐⭐⭐ pic.twitter.com/yIUbyYOFjz— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) June 6, 2026 Similarly, Julian Alvarez and Leandro Paredes were held back from field drills. Meanwhile, starting goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez returned to training exercises but worked without gloves due to a fracture in one of his fingers. Fortunately, Scaloni faces zero selection headaches in the center of the park. The trusted engine room of Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister is locked in to dictate the tempo, with the highly creative Thiago Almada expected to join them. Argentina’s confirmed starting XI With Martinez being carefully managed, Scaloni has confirmed that Juan Musso will guard the net tonight against the Hondurans. The primary tactical puzzle lies on the right side of the defense; with both primary right-backs Molina and Montiel completely unavailable, the coaching staff spent the final training sessions rotating Nicolas Capaldo and Agustin Giay with the starting unit. The second major question mark sits in the attacking frontline. Throughout the early portion of the week, the staff heavily drilled Giuliano Simeone alongside Lautaro Martinez. However, over the last 24 hours, momentum has surged behind the presence of Jose Manuel Lopez, who could get the nod to partner the Inter Milan captain up top. Argentina’s confirmed starting lineup: Juan Musso; Agustin Giay, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Exequiel Palacios, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso; Lautaro Martinez, Thiago Almada.
Lionel Scaloni must make a change to Argentina's World Cup list after Leonardo Balerdi got injured. This week was the final one for Lionel Scaloni to check which players are in good shape for Argentina at the World Cup. However, training sessions left one player injured, as Leonardo Balerdi will not be part of the team. Argentina confirmed it officially on their social media accounts: “Defender Leonardo Balerdi suffered a muscle injury in the soleus of his right leg and will not be part of the squad for the World Cup.” While it could be a long tournament with the expansion to 48 teams, the injury will take three weeks to heal. With so many players already dealing with fitness issues, Scaloni could not risk adding one more to the list. The replacement The injury happened too recently to know who will replace Balerdi on the 26-man list. However, there are a few names that could be called up until a day before their first match, on June 16. The main candidate may be Marcos Senesi, since he is also a center back. Senesi signed with Tottenham (Cameron Smith/Getty Images) For the defender, it would be a great opportunity after solid years with Bournemouth that led to a free transfer to Tottenham for next season, in what should be a step forward in his career. One major difference with Balerdi is that he is left-footed. There is a clear weakness at right back in this team, with Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina not arriving in great condition. That is why Scaloni made Agustin Giay and Nicolás Capaldo travel with the team, as they could also be added. An outside chance could go to left back Marcos Acuña. Argentina’s next match While many teams have already played at least one friendly during the week, Argentina are about to make their first appearance. The match is today against Honduras at 8 PM ET in Texas, with a lineup that is not expected to feature many starters after the team only got together a few days ago.
Lionel Scaloni tested a lineup for Argentina's match against Honduras without Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez. Argentina have two friendlies left before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The first comes against Honduras on Saturday, and with that match in mind, head coach Lionel Scaloni tested a lineup that did not include Lionel Messi or Julian Alvarez. The Inter Miami forward was present at Wednesday’s training session in Kansas City, but he did not participate in drills with the rest of the squad. Instead, he trained separately as he continues to recover from the muscle issue he suffered on May 24 against Philadelphia Union in MLS. Alvarez, meanwhile, is in the final stages of his recovery from an ankle problem, which kept him out of Scaloni’s plans during Wednesday’s training session. As a result, with his two usual starting forwards unavailable, the coach tested different options in the lineup. According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, Lautaro Martinez and Jose Lopez led the attack, forming a partnership never before seen with the national team. The Palmeiras striker has made just three appearances for Argentina, and in none of them did he share the field with Lautaro. In fact, on two of those occasions, one replaced the other during the match. Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez. Other Argentina players unavailable against Honduras With two days remaining before the friendly against Honduras at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, several Argentina players are dealing with physical issues that will keep them out of contention for Lionel Scaloni. Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez are on that list, but they are not alone. Emiliano Martinez is also recovering from a minor fracture in his hand suffered before Aston Villa’s UEFA Europa League final. Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Paz are also unavailable. Argentina’s projected XI vs Honduras Given the physical condition of those players, Scaloni is not expected to take any risks in the matches leading up to the World Cup. In fact, that is why he brought additional players to the United States who are not part of the final 26-man roster but are expected to feature in the friendlies against Honduras and Iceland. The situation is clearest at right back. With Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel still recovering, Agustin Giay and Nicolas Capaldo are expected to get opportunities in the pre-World Cup friendlies. Both players were part of the preliminary 55-man squad but did not make the final cut. The lineup Scaloni tested for Saturday’s match against Honduras was: Geronimo Rulli; Agustin Giay, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada; Lautaro Martinez and Jose Manuel Lopez.
Argentina's medical staff is working intensely with six players dealing with various physical issues, a list headlined by Lionel Messi, just 13 days before their 2026 World Cup opener against Algeria. Lionel Messi’s Argentina are currently training in Kansas City, focusing heavily on their upcoming 2026 World Cup debut on June 16 against Algeria. To prepare, the Albiceleste will play two warm-up matches—first against Honduras on Saturday, June 6, and then against Iceland on Tuesday, June 9—allowing manager Lionel Scaloni to fine-tune tactical details ahead of the tournament. However, at least six players continue to undergo rehabilitation for various physical setbacks and are highly unlikely to feature in the first friendly match. The list includes Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Nico Paz, and Leandro Paredes. The two most concerning cases involve the Aston Villa goalkeeper and the River Plate fullback. “Dibu” Martinez suffered a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand on May 20 during the buildup to the Europa League Final, severely limiting his training sessions. While medical staff expects him to be ready for the World Cup opener against Algeria, he will lack match sharpness. Meanwhile, Montiel was forced to miss the final of the Argentine Tournament on May 24 due to a muscle tear. His recovery is being evaluated day by day, making him one of the few players Scaloni might replace on the roster at the last minute if needed. Consequently, right-backs Nicolas Capaldo and Agustin Giay will be tested during the upcoming friendlies as potential cover. Nicolas Capaldo of Hamburger SV and Agustin Giay of Palmeiras. (Getty Images) As for Messi (fatigue), Molina (muscle tear), Paredes (hamstring overload), and Paz (minor fracture in his right knee), all four are training separately from the main group. They could be medically cleared later this week, though the coaching staff will err on the side of caution and rest them against Honduras. Julian Alvarez and Cristian Romero fully recovered Amid the lingering fitness concerns surrounding several squad members, Argentina received a major boost as Julian Alvarez and Cristian Romero have made full recoveries. The Atletico Madrid forward has successfully overcome an ankle sprain, while the Tottenham defender has cleared a collateral ligament sprain in his right knee. Both players returned to full team training on Monday and are fully available to start in Argentina‘s opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi could see changes in Argentina's World Cup roster as head coach Lionel Scaloni has reportedly set a fitness deadline for players to meet. Lionel Messi has officially reported to the Argentina national team camp in Kansas City to launch preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off in less than two weeks. However, the tournament dreams of several marquee teammates are hanging by a thread, as head coach Lionel Scaloni has reportedly issued a strict fitness ultimatum to his squad. Unveiling his final 26-man roster last Thursday, May 28, three days ahead of FIFA’s official deadline, Scaloni took a calculated gamble by including a handful of key figures who wrapped up their club seasons carrying lingering physical knocks. Now, with high-intensity training sessions underway, those who fail to hit prescribed medical benchmarks risk being ruthlessly axed from the traveling delegation. According to a report from ESPN Argentina’s Diego Monroig and Esteban Edul, Scaloni and his coaching staff are meticulously evaluating the physical state of every individual on the roster. Any player deemed physically incapable of enduring the grueling demands of a month-long World Cup campaign faces the very real threat of being replaced before the opening whistle. Having delivered this message directly to the squad at Sporting Kansas City’s training facilities, Scaloni intends to use Argentina‘s upcoming exhibition matches to make his final personnel determinations. To separate the fully fit from the compromised, the upcoming training sessions are expected to be incredibly punishing, pushing every player to their absolute physical limit. #SelecciónMayor Primeros movimientos en el gimnasio. ¡Vamos con todo! 💪🏼🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/z94i5WLJfz— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) June 1, 2026 Per tournament regulations, Argentina has until June 15 to make emergency modifications to its roster, exactly 24 hours before their highly anticipated group-stage debut against Algeria. While warm-up friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 offer a vital stage for players to state their case, their durability will be tested on a daily basis in America’s heartland. Which players are at risk of being dropped? This hardline approach mirrors the drama of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, when Joaquin Correa and Nicolas Gonzalez were cut from the squad just days before the opener due to chronic fitness issues. Scaloni views these high-stress training sessions as the ultimate litmus test for tournament readiness, though this strict policy won’t apply uniformly across the entire infirmary. As revealed by ESPN Argentina, starting goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez’s fractured finger is the squad’s most glaring injury, yet his irreplaceable stature guarantees his spot on the plane. A similar tier of immunity extends to defensive anchor Cristian Romero (knee sprain), star striker Julián Alvarez (sprained ankle), and, naturally, Lionel Messi, who is currently managing a mild hamstring strain. Instead, the players firmly on the roster bubble are right-backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel, both of whom are rushing back from complex muscle tears, alongside midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is battling a severe muscle overload. Should any of this trio falter, Scaloni has clever insurance policies in place, having brought along six supplemental training players, including rising starlets Nicolas Capaldo and Agustin Giay, who are eager to claim a vacant spot. On a brighter note, Como’s Nico Paz and Atletico Madrid’s Nicolas Gonzalez have reportedly shaken off their respective ailments and are training without restrictions. Nonetheless, Scaloni retains total flexibility for any roster changes right up until the final hour if any fresh injuries surface.
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