More trouble for Argentina! Star forward joins Lionel Messi in withdrawing ahead of Brazil World Cup qualifier.
Argentina striker Lautaro Martínez has joined Lionel Messi in pulling out of the squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Brazil..
WHAT HAPPENED?
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez has been sidelined with a left hamstring injury, leaving Argentina without two key attackers. After training separately from the squad at the Ezeiza facility, it was determined that returning to Italy for rehabilitation was the best option.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This setback deepens Argentina’s injury worries, with Messi already sidelined due to adductor discomfort, ruling him out of the upcoming South American matchups. Without Messi and Martínez, Argentina’s attack will see major adjustments, with Lionel Scaloni expected to rely on the in-form Julián Álvarez, who has been excelling at Atlético Madrid.
WHAT THE ARGENTINE FA SAID
The Argentina FA put out a tweet on X which read: “#SelecciónMayor Forward Lautaro Martínez will be out of the squad for this March double date due to a muscle injury in his lower left hamstring.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA?
Despite these setbacks, Argentina remains in a strong position atop the South American World Cup qualifying standings, holding a five-point lead. This advantage puts them in an excellent spot to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
During this international break, Argentina’s first test will be against Uruguay on March 21 at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo. They will then return to Buenos Aires on March 25 to face Brazil at the Monumental Stadium, a highly anticipated clash given the intense rivalry between the two nations.
