After Messi, Argentina Lose Lautaro Martínez to Injury Ahead of Key Fixtures

Martínez, who has been in spectacular form for Inter Milan this season, reportedly suffered a muscle strain during a recent league match and will now undergo a recovery process expected to last several weeks. Although the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has yet to provide a detailed medical report, head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the striker will not be available for selection.

“This is not ideal,” Scaloni admitted during a press briefing. “Losing Lautaro just after Messi is a big setback. They are both leaders and decisive players for us. But it’s also an opportunity for others to step up.”

The double absence of Messi and Martínez puts Argentina in a delicate position, especially as the team prepares for crucial international friendlies and Copa América warm-up matches. Lautaro, who has been Argentina’s most consistent goal scorer after Messi, was expected to play a central role in the upcoming games.

Messi’s absence had already sparked concerns among fans and pundits, particularly regarding the team’s attacking structure. Now, with Martínez also unavailable, the pressure falls on a younger generation of forwards such as Julián Álvarez, Paulo Dybala, and Alejandro Garnacho to deliver.

“There’s no replacing players like Messi or Lautaro,” said Argentina’s assistant coach Walter Samuel. “But this squad has depth. We trust the quality of our younger talents—they’ve trained hard and are ready to wear the shirt with pride.”

Despite the setbacks, Argentina remain optimistic. The team has enjoyed a successful run since winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with Scaloni continuing to integrate new blood into the squad. The absence of senior stars may accelerate this evolution, providing valuable international experience for up-and-coming players.

Still, fans are understandably anxious. Social media has been flooded with reactions ranging from disappointment to cautious hope. “This will really test our squad depth,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “But this is what the future looks like—time for others to rise.”

Lautaro’s injury also raises concerns for Inter Milan, who are locked in a tight Serie A title race. The club’s medical staff are expected to conduct further evaluations, but the initial prognosis suggests he will miss at least two to three weeks, which includes not only Argentina’s matches but potentially crucial domestic fixtures as well.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi’s timeline for return remains uncertain. The Inter Miami star has been dealing with muscle fatigue and has been rested by both club and country in recent weeks. With both attackers sidelined, Scaloni will be forced to rethink his tactical approach and attacking combinations.

Argentina are set to face two strong opponents in the upcoming international window, with tests designed to sharpen the squad ahead of Copa América 2024. While the names of Messi and Martínez will be missing from the lineup, the team will be looking to prove that its strength lies not just in individuals, but in collective unity and belief. As Scaloni summed it up: “It’s never good to lose great players. But this is football. Injuries happen. What matters is how the team responds—and I believe we’ll respond like champions.”