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.
Lautaro Martinez could be absent during the match between Argentina and Uruguay (Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images)
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.
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Messi injured: How will Argentina line up vs Uruguay and Brazil without the Inter Miami star?
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.
