At the heart of that concern is star striker Lautaro Martinez, who was forced off mid-match following a painful episode that immediately drew attention from teammates and staff alike. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed that the Argentine hit a physical setback in the closing stages of the first meeting.

That setback has kept him out of the crucial return at San Siro, introducing new questions about Inter’s attacking options with a comeback on the line. While details are still emerging, the absence of the club’s captain casts a shadow over a tie already teetering on the edge.

Why is Lautaro Martinez missing for Inter vs. Bodo/Glimt?

Inter Milan face the second leg of their 2026 UEFA Champions League knockout phase tie without their captain and leading striker, Lautaro Martinez, after he suffered a left calf strain in the first meeting on February 19, 2026.

The injury occurred during the 1–3 defeat in Norway, forcing him off the pitch and immediately raising concerns inside the squad. Medical scans later confirmed a strain to the soleus muscle in his left leg.

Inter attributed the setback to the artificial surface and freezing conditions at Bodo/Glimt’s stadium, factors the club believes contributed to the incident. As a result, he is expected to be sidelined for roughly a month, ruling him out of the decisive return leg at San Siro.

The absence comes at a critical moment in the European campaign, with Inter needing a strong response to overturn the deficit. Head coach Christian Chivu urged calm after the first leg, stressing the need to manage the situation carefully amid a busy schedule that includes domestic commitments.

“Now we need to regather ourselves. We have a few issues after this game that we need to address carefully. We have to play Lecce and then we have the return leg on Tuesday. We need to assess our physical condition“, the coach told the official club website.

With Martinez unavailable, tactical adjustments will be required as Inter attempt to keep their Champions League hopes alive without their primary attacking reference point.

After the Italian team’s elimination from the championship was confirmed, team captain Lautaro Martinez gave an interview in which he sent a strong message: “The message is clear: whoever wants to stay, stay. Whoever doesn’t want to stay must go… We are fighting for an important shirt, and we have to fight for important goals… I won’t name names. We are here to do everything, but I saw many things I didn’t like.”

Although he did not mention Hakan Calhanoglu at any time, the fans pointed the finger at the Turk player. All this, because he allegedly expressed his desire to leave for Galatasaray. Even the president of the Turkish team Dursun Ozbek claimed to have already had talks with the player, according to GOAL. Despite the forcefulness of Lautaro’s words, Hakan did not remain unresponsive to them.

“What surprised me even more were the words that came after. Words that hit hard. Words that divide, not united. In my career, I’ve never looked for excuses. I’ve always taken responsibility… I’ve always shown respect on and off the pitch… I’ve never betrayed this club, I’ve never said I’m not happy at Inter. There were offers in the past, tempting ones,” Hakan Calhanoglu posted, via Instagram.

Hakan’s intention to leave the club encounters significant obstacles due to his binding contract through June 2027, as reported by Transfermarkt. Team president Giuseppe Marotta underscored their resolve to safeguard the club’s interests, affirming they will take all necessary actions. While the club remains open to his departure, Marotta’s comments imply that any deal would demand substantial financial compensation.

Not just Calhanoglu: Another Inter Milan player could be on his way out

Amid the potential departure of Hakan Calhanoglu from Inter Milan, he might not stand alone in seeking a new horizon. According to renowned journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Atletico Madrid have set their sights on acquiring midfielder Davide Frattesi. The Spanish club aims to fill the gap left by Rodrigo Riquelme’s absence, and sees Frattesi as a promising addition.

Additionally, the acquisition of Petar Sucic could push Frattesi out of the rotation. He currently lacks a regular starting role in the midfield. Therefore, a move to Atletico Madrid represents a promising career opportunity. In contrast, Hakan Calhanoglu remains a key player in the midfield. He often captains the team and continues to be a reliable mainstay.

From Bahia Blanca to San Siro, Lautaro Martinez has carved his path with sharp finishes and sharper instincts. Now a symbol of Inter Milan‘s resurgence, his game—and paycheck—are commanding global attention.

Wearing the captain’s armband and leading the Nerazzurri frontline, he isn’t just scoring goals, he’s cashing in on a career that keeps climbing. Behind the scenes, his salary reflects a club banking on its number ten.

As negotiations, trophies and temptations swirl around him, his earnings reveal more than just digits—they map out a soccer player whose value rises with every roar of the Curva Nord.

What is Lautaro Martinez’s salary at Inter Milan?

Inter Milan’s skipper is among Serie A’s top earners. According to Capology, Lautaro Martínez pockets a gross €16.67 million per season, which breaks down to around €320,577 per week—excluding performance incentives.

While net figures aren’t public, a Capology report puts his take-home pay at around €9 million annually. In context, he leads Inter’s wage bill—estimated at about €140.7 million gross for the 2024–25 season.

How long will Lautaro Martinez be at Inter Milan?

In a pivotal moment for Inter Milan, Lautaro Martínez extended his contract until June 30, 2029, sealing a long-term commitment that reflects not only his performances but also his symbolic value to the club.

The deal was officially announced by Inter on August 12, 2024, through a statement on their website and social platforms, confirming that their captain would be staying in Milan for at least five more seasons.

This wasn’t a simple renewal. His extension was the result of months of negotiations, during which both parties aligned on a shared vision: a future with him at the heart of Inter’s ambitions.

Beyond the numbers, the deal represents a signal of stability. At a time when top players are constantly targeted by Premier League clubs or Saudi Pro League offers, his commitment to Inter speaks volumes.

He’s not just staying for the paycheck—he’s staying to build a legacy. With the armband on his sleeve and a contract running through 2029, he is positioned to become one of the club’s most iconic figures of the modern era.

Martinez opened the scoring for Inter Milan in the 21st minute of the first half, finishing smoothly inside the box after receiving an assist from Marcus Thuram. Minutes later, he played a crucial role in his team’s second goal, drawing a foul from Pau Cubarsi inside the box that led to a penalty goal by Hakan Calhanoglu.

With that goal, Lautaro became just the third Argentine player in history to score at least nine goals in a single Champions League campaign. The first to hit that mark was Hernan Crespo, followed—of course—by Lionel Messi.

Throughout this season, Martinez has scored in every stage of the competition: five goals in the group stage (three against AC Monaco, one against Red Star Belgrade, and one against Sparta Prague), one in the round of 16 against Feyenoord, two in the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich, and one in the semifinals against Barcelona.

Hernan Crespo’s Champions League milestone

Hernan Crespo had an accomplished professional career that included stints at AC Milan and Chelsea. However, his most prolific Champions League season came with Inter Milan in 2002-03. That year, the Italian side reached the semifinals, where they were eliminated by their city rivals.

The striker was a key figure for that squad, tallying 9 goals and 3 assists in 12 matches for Inter Milan during that European campaign. In doing so, he became the first Argentine to reach those numbers—until Lionel Messi came along.

The numbers of Lionel Messi in Champions League

In the later years of his playing career, Hernan Crespo was a teammate of Lionel Messi on the Argentina national team. And it was Leo who ultimately surpassed Crespo’s historic mark, doing so multiple times over his career.

Messi first reached the 9-goal mark in a single Champions League season in 2008-09, when he led Barcelona to the title with a win over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United in the final. The Argentine superstar repeated the feat five more times, with his most remarkable performance coming in the 2011-12 season, when he scored 14 goals.

Argentina and Brazil clash for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires for a highly anticipated match. However, La Albiceleste, who have a packed schedule this year, will be playing without some of its key players, including Lautaro Martinez.

Martinez, who traveled to Argentina, was ruled out due to muscle discomfort. “Forward Lautaro Martinez will miss the call-up for this March double-header due to a muscle injury in his left hamstring,” the Argentina’s social media team confirmed on X (formerly Twitter).

After his injury was confirmed, Lautaro posted a photo of him and his partner visiting a vineyard in his hometown of Mendoza. “Happy to be able to enjoy a few days of rest with my family in Mendoza to recharge my batteries and recover from the injury that left me out of the two qualifiers,” Martinez wrote in the caption. “Now I’m recovering to return as soon as possible.”

While the extent of the injury hasn’t been confirmed, it is expected that ‘El Toro’ will be back in action in time for Inter’s Champions League matches against Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Argentina will have to play against Brazil, which will play without Neymar, without one of its key players.

However, Argentina, who also will miss Lionel Messi against Brazil, won their match against Uruguay thanks to a lonely goal by Thiago Almada. With the result, Lionel Scaloni’s men are only one point away from qualifying to the World Cup, which will be celebrated in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Who will play for Argentina against Brazil?

Apart from Messi and Martinez, Paulo Dybala is another player who couldn’t travel with the national team. The Roma striker is set to undergo surgery on a left semitendinosus tendon injury. Without them, Lionel Scaloni opted to play with Julian Alvarez in the center of the attack, with Almada and Giuliano Simeone as wingers.

For Brazil, however, the plan is reportedly another. Rodrigo De Paul, who missed the match against Uruguay, is set to return to the starting lineup, leaving Simeone out. Nicolas Gonzalez, on the other hand, won’t be able to play after he saw a red card during the last match.

So, a potential starting lineup against Brazil could be: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Thiago Almada and Julian Alvarez.

According to TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul, Lautaro Martinez has been ruled out of the Argentina National Team for the upcoming two matches due to a muscle injury. As a result, he will not be available against either Brazil or Uruguay. This is a tough blow for Lionel Scaloni’s squad. Since taking over as head coach, Lautaro has become the team’s second-highest scorer with 28 goals, trailing only Lionel Messi, who has 41.

Lautaro’s role in the national team has been crucial. He even finished as the top scorer of the 2024 Copa America with five goals. However, his absence may not be a major setback for Scaloni. Julian Alvarez is currently in outstanding form. In the most recent Copa America, he scored two goals and played a key role in Argentina’s attacking play.

How could the Argentine national team line up after confirmed withdrawals?

Due to Lionel Messi’s absence in the Argentina National Team, Lionel Scaloni is expected to make several changes to his starting lineup. According to journalist Gaston Edul, several players are already confirmed as starters: Giuliano Simeone, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Gonzalez, Thiago Almada, and Julian Alvarez.

Based on these confirmations, Scaloni could line up as follows: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Gonzalez; Thiago Almada and Julian Alvarez.

How is Argentina’s national team approaching the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers?

The Argentine national team has won just two of its last five games in the Conmebol qualifiers. Nevertheless, they are the absolute leaders in the qualifiers. Lionel Scaloni’s team is first in the standings with 25 points and one game behind second-placed Brazil, which has 21 points.

With this, the Argentine National Team arrives as the top favorite to win both victories. Both against Uruguay and Brazil. However, the team’s absentees may have a great impact on the result.

The World Cup Qualifiers resume this weekend, with Argentina are scheduled to face two of their biggest rivals, Uruguay and Brazil. However, La Albiceleste will be without Lionel Messi, who is sidelined with an abductor injury. Now, Lautaro Martínez is also confirmed to miss the international window.

“Forward Lautaro Martinez will miss the call-up for this March double-header due to a muscle injury in his left hamstring,” the Argentina’s social media team confirmed on X (formerly Twitter). Martinez had trained separately from the group during Tuesday’s session, and it was expected to play against Brazil.

This situation means that Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni will need to make adjustments in attack, especially with Paulo Dybala also out due to injury. Fortunately, Scaloni has several options to fill the gaps.

To replace Martinez, Giuliano Simeone could be an option, along with Juventus winger Nicolas Gonzalez, who has already stepped up in Messi’s absence. Thiago Almada and Nicolas Paz are also possibilities, though Julian Alvarez is expected to start.

Argentina are still strong without Messi

While Lionel Messi expressed disappointment over missing these matches, Argentina’s record without him in recent years has been strong. Over the past five years, Messi has missed eight matches, with Argentina losing just once — though that loss came recently.

The last time Argentina played without Messi, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Colombia in September 2024. In that match, the attacking trio consisted of Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and Nicolas Gonzalez.

With 25 points, Argentina comfortably leads the standings in the South American Qualifiers for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, with eight wins, one draw, and three losses. Even without Messi and Martinez, they will look to continue their strong qualifying campaign.

Lautaro Martinez was the top scorer and MVP of Serie A during the 2023-24 season, helping Inter to a dominant league title. He also played a pivotal role in Argentina’s triumph in the 2024 Copa America, scoring five goals, including the match-winner in the final against Colombia. Despite these accomplishments, Lautaro was not included in the list of eleven players nominated for the coveted The Best award.

“It is surprising and disappointing that Lautaro Martinez has not been considered among the candidates for FIFA’s Best Player after such an exceptional season,” said Giuseppe Marotta, president of Inter Milan, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Lautaro deserves more respect and recognition.”

Marotta went on to highlight the striker’s impressive achievements: “His extraordinary performances helped lead Inter to a historic season and the Argentine national team to victory in the Copa América. Moreover, in both competitions, he was the top scorer.”

The Inter Milan president also sent a strong message to FIFA: “This exclusion seems to disregard not only his numbers and successes, but also the impact he had in crucial matches. It sends a negative signal—players who stand out in such an important way should be rewarded.” He concluded, “Let’s hope that in the future, proper recognition will be given to those, like Lautaro, who continue to shine on the field.”

Lautaro has had no luck with awards

Despite his outstanding year with both Inter Milan and the Argentina national team, Lautaro Martinez has struggled to receive the recognition he deserves. At the Ballon d’Or ceremony, many believed he had a chance to compete for the prestigious award, but he ultimately finished in seventh place, with Rodri claiming the title.

The decision to award the Ballon d’Or to the Manchester City midfielder sparked controversy, with Lautaro Martinez and other stars such as Vinicius Junior and Toni Kroos, expressing their disagreement with the Ballon d’Or results.

Lautaro was not the only absentee

Although Lautaro Martinez was absent from the list of finalists for The Best award, he was included among the top strikers of the year and could still earn a spot in the 2024 Ideal XI, depending on the votes from fans and experts. The same fate befell Cristiano Ronaldo, who was also snubbed by FIFA but included in that minor nomination. On the other hand, Lionel Messi is one of the eleven players that will compete for the main award.

During the opening half, Argentina controlled the tempo with confident ball possession and territorial dominance. However, their inability to capitalize on key opportunities kept the match scoreless. Julian Alvarez came closest to breaking the deadlock with a shot that hit the post, while Alexis Mac Allister narrowly missed with a header that went just wide.

The world champions carried their possession-based approach into the second half but sharpened their execution in the attacking third. Ten minutes after the restart, Lionel Messi orchestrated a brilliant play, delivering a perfectly timed assist to Lautaro Martinez. The striker executed a daring pirouette, reminiscent of an overhead kick, resulting in a spectacular goal that electrified the Buenos Aires crowd.

Martinez matches a historic milestone in Argentina

With his goal against Peru, Lautaro Martinez has etched his name into Argentina’s history books. The striker now has 32 goals in 70 appearances for the national team, equaling the legendary Diego Armando Maradona’s tally, achieved during his iconic career with Argentina from 1977 to 1994.

Martinez’s achievement places him fifth on Argentina’s all-time scoring list. Ahead of him are only four other legends: Lionel Messi (112), Gabriel Batistuta (54), Sergio Aguero (41), and Hernan Crespo (35). With time on his side, Martinez is well-positioned to climb even higher in the ranks of Argentina’s most prolific scorers.

It’s been a week since the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony. However, there’s still opinions about the winners and the order of nominees. While much of the conversation was about Vinicius Junior’s snub, Lautaro Martinez also complained about his position in the list. And, now, 2006 World Cup winner Marco Materazzi has shown some support to the Inter Milan star, echoing Lionel Messi’s words regarding his Argentina teammate.

“He is undoubtedly top five. You can’t complain about Rodri, who won the Champions League and the Euros, or Dani Caravajal. But Lautaro has also won trophies with Inter and Argentina. He’s right when he says he expects more. I think the Ballon d’Or doesn’t count much,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“The real value is determined by the clubs with which you win trophies. Lautaro has won the World Cup and two Copa America, the last one as a top scorer. This is what counts,” he added. “Lautaro must heed Messi’s words, because his judgment is more important than the one of the Ballon d’Or jury.”

Martinez, who placed seventh in the 2024 Ballon d’Or ranking, scored 35 goals and gave eight assists in all competitions. He also won the Serie A, being the top goalscorer, as well as the Italy Cup. Aditionally, he led Argentina to the Copa America title, scoring in the final and being the competition’s top goalscorer.

Ahead of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Lionel Messi showed his support to his teammate, saying that he deserved to win it. “He’s had a spectacular year. He scored in the [Copa America] final and was the top scorer. He deserves the Ballon d’Or more than anyone else,” the Inter Miami star said on October 17.

Martinez expected more, said the awards are not always fair

‘El Toro’ said after the ceremony, according to Fabrizio Romano, that he was disappointed in the results. “To be honest, I was expecting more than 7th position at the Ballon d’Or. Sometimes at these awards they are unfair,” he told DANZ.

Despite his impressive year, Martinez was placed behind Kylian Mbappe (PSG/Real Madrid) and Erling Haaland (Manchester City), as well as Real Madrid’s stars Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior, and Manchester City’s Rodri, who ultimately won the award.

This week, Lautaro Martinez received the Golden Foot 2024, a prestigious award presented annually by the Image Promotion Company to players who stand out for their achievements, both individually and collectively, over the year.

Martinez earned this recognition thanks to his outstanding performances with Inter Milan, where he captained the team to an Italian Serie A title in the 2023-24 season, also finishing as their top scorer. His exceptional year extended to the Argentina national team as well, where he played a key role in winning the Copa America 2024, netting five goals, including the decisive 1-0 score in the final against Colombia.

The challenge of winning the Golden Foot

Awarded annually since 2003, the Golden Foot has unique criteria that make it particularly special. To be eligible, players must be at least 27 years old, disqualifying younger stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Erling Haaland.

The award can also only be won once in a player’s career, unlike the Ballon d’Or, which can be awarded multiple times. Moreover, the recipient must still be an active player at the time of receiving it.

The selection process involves two stages: first, a panel of international journalists narrows the candidates to ten finalists. Then, a committee of experts determines the winner, a change from previous editions when the winner was selected through a public online vote.

Ronaldo has it, Messi doesn’t – yet

Among the past recipients is Cristiano Ronaldo, who won in 2020 during his time with Juventus. Recent honorees include Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, and Real Madrid’s Luka Modric.

One surprising detail remains: Lionel Messi has never won the Golden Foot. Eligible since 2014 due to the 27-year age requirement, this accolade has eluded him thus far. However, with Messi’s continued excellence at Inter Miami, perhaps his chance could still come.