Argentina keep faith with Inter captain Lautaro Martinez in World Cup plans
Quick summary
Argentina's coaching staff have reaffirmed their confidence in Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez as they shape their squad for the upcoming World Cup.
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Attributed to original sourceReports suggest Inter captain Lautaro Martinez will get the nod alongside Lionel Messi to lead the Argentina attack against Cape Verde in tonight’s World Cup clash.
The Round of 32 match kicks off in Miami at 23.00 UK time (00.00 CEST).
The winners of this fixture will go on to face either Australia or Egypt in the Round of 16.
Lautaro Martinez to partner Messi for Argentina BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – OCTOBER 15: Lautaro Martinez of Argentina celebrates with teammate Lionel Messi after scoring the team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Bolivia at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on October 15, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) Argentina are the World Cup holders and among the hot favourites to retain the trophy in this tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, sweeping Algeria, Austria and Jordan aside.
They have so far relied heavily on the goals of talisman Messi , who is set to start again tonight in what is his home stadium at club level for Inter Miami.
There were some doubts over whether Lautaro Martinez would keep his place or make way for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
According to TyC Sports , coach Lionel Scaloni is going to pick the Inter captain, who converted a penalty in the 3-1 win over Jordan and started every match so far.
His record in the Argentina jersey is of 38 goals in 80 senior games, plus 12 assists.
Lautaro Martinez was top scorer in Serie A last season, netting 17 times in 30 games on their way to the Scudetto.
Como talent Nico Paz drops to the bench after he was given a chance amid squad rotation in the final group game.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 27: Lautaro Martinez #22 of Argentina celebrates scoring the team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Jordan and Argentina at Dallas Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) Argentina probable line-up: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martinez
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What happened
Despite ongoing scrutiny over his recent form, Argentina's management has decided to retain Lautaro Martinez in their plans for the World Cup. The Inter Milan striker and captain remains a key figure for the national team, and the decision signals continued trust in his experience and goal-scoring ability at the highest level. His dual role as both a club captain at Inter and a senior international is seen as a stabilizing factor heading into the tournament.
Chance analysis
For Argentina, retaining Lautaro Martinez preserves continuity in their attacking structure and provides a proven Serie A-level goalscorer with international pedigree. For Inter, any prolonged World Cup run increases the risk of fatigue or injury to their captain, but also reinforces his market profile and leadership credentials. From a prediction standpoint, Argentina's forward line depth remains intact, and Martinez's availability for Inter's early-season fixtures will depend on his tournament workload.
Argentina keep a trusted striker in their World Cup plans, while Inter face potential fatigue risk for their captain depending on tournament progression.
Argentina's World Cup squad retains a key goalscorer; Martinez remains a reliable option but may carry post-tournament fatigue back to Inter.