Lautaro Martinez has publicly voiced his disappointment at being left on the bench for Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain, in a pointed message to national team coach Lionel Scaloni.
The Inter Milan captain, who arrived at the tournament as Serie A’s top scorer and a domestic double winner with the Nerazzurri, did not feature at all in the 1-0 loss in New York – a match in which Argentina failed to register a shot on target until the closing stages of extra time.
Martinez, 29, had been one of Argentina’s standout performers earlier in the competition, scoring three goals in seven matches, including dramatic late winners against Switzerland in the quarter-final and England in the semi-final.
But in the biggest game of all, the forward was an unused substitute, a decision which has drawn heavy criticism in the Argentine media and which Martinez has now appeared to address.
‘I would have liked to help on the pitch’
Breaking his silence on Instagram on Sunday evening, Martinez wrote: “بذلنا قصارى جهدنا للفوز بكاس العالم للمرة الثانية على التوالي، لكن هذه المرة لم يكن ذلك مقدرا لنا. انا فخور جدا بكوني ارجنتينيا”.
He then appeared to allude directly to Scaloni’s choice not to bring him on in the final, adding: “كنت اود مساعدة الفريق على ارض الملعب، لكن لا باس”.
The striker went on to thank supporters who had followed the world champions across North America: “شكرا لكل من دعمنا خلال هذه البطولة، وسافر كيلومترا بعد كيلومتر ليكون قريبا منا، ولجميع من شجعونا من كل ركن من اركان بلدنا”.
His remarks come amid a broader debate in Argentina over the tactical decisions taken during the final, where Spain’s control of possession and a second-half goal proved decisive in denying the Albiceleste back-to-back World Cup titles.
From leading man to losing his place
Martinez began the 2026 tournament as Scaloni’s first-choice centre-forward, starting Argentina’s first four matches. However, he subsequently lost his place in the starting XI to Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez.
As the knockout rounds progressed, Martinez retained an important role from the bench, delivering crucial late goals that kept Argentina on course for a historic title defence. Those decisive contributions against Switzerland and England had appeared to cement his status as a game-changer.
Yet, in the final against Spain, Scaloni opted not to use him at all. Instead, the coach used his final substitution in extra time to introduce defender Marcos Senesi, a move that has been singled out as one of his most contentious decisions.
Argentine commentators and pundits have questioned why a proven goalscorer was not called upon as the team struggled to create clear chances and ultimately failed to breach Spain’s defence.
Record speaks for itself
Martinez’s international record underlines why his omission became such a flashpoint. The Inter captain has scored 40 goals and provided 13 assists in 84 appearances for Argentina.
He has been a central figure in the country’s recent golden era, lifting the 2022 World Cup, along with Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
Domestically, he arrived at the 2026 World Cup in peak form, having finished as the leading scorer in Serie A and helping Inter to both the league title and the Coppa Italia.
Despite the heartbreak of losing the final and his frustration at not being used, Martinez stressed his continued pride in representing his country and his appreciation for fans’ support, suggesting his focus is already turning towards future challenges with the national team.
