Hours before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, Lionel Scaloni’s decision to exclude Lautaro Martinez from the starting lineup raised many questions, especially since the Inter Milan striker was one of Argentina’s standout stars in the knockout stages.
The Argentine coach announced his official lineup, which continued to rely on Julian Alvarez alongside Lionel Messi in attack, while Lautaro sat on the bench despite his remarkable performances in recent matches.
Lautaro had stolen the show in the semi-final against England when he scored the winning goal in stoppage time, bringing his tally to three goals in the tournament and 40 international goals in 84 matches, making his exclusion from the starting lineup a surprise for the fans.
But Scaloni’s decision came for purely tactical reasons. Julian Alvarez has a high ability to press high up the pitch and win back the ball, an advantage the coach considers essential to face the Spanish defense, known for its discipline and solidity. Alvarez also integrates better into the playing system that Scaloni relies on in big matches.
Despite being on the bench, Lautaro played a crucial role throughout the tournament when he came on as a substitute, scoring against England and Switzerland and providing an assist against Egypt. This makes him an important attacking option that Scaloni might turn to in the decisive moments of the final, especially if the match heads toward a difficult scenario or goes into extra time.
Argentine fans hope Lautaro will continue his strong impact from the bench, while Scaloni aims to lead Argentina to their fourth title in history and their second consecutive one, against a Spain team seeking its second star after their 2010 triumph.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan is a famous Italian football club located in the city of Milan, founded on March 9, 1908, by a group of dissidents from AC Milan. The club is known as “Nerazzurri” (the Black and Blues), and has won numerous domestic and European titles, including the UEFA Champions League. Inter Milan is distinguished by its rich history and status as one of the most popular clubs in Italy and the world.
England
England is a historic country within the United Kingdom, known for its global cultural and political influence. Its history includes notable periods such as Roman rule, the Middle Ages with the formation of parliament, and the Elizabethan Renaissance. Today, England is famous for landmarks like Stonehenge, the Tower of London, and the Houses of Parliament.
Switzerland
Switzerland is a country located in the heart of Europe, renowned for its spectacular alpine landscapes and its long-standing political neutrality. Historically, Switzerland formed as a confederation of cantons in the 13th century, and over time it has become a global center for diplomacy, finance, and innovation. Its culture is a unique blend of German, French, Italian, and Romansh influences, reflected in the country’s four official languages.
Egypt
Egypt is an Afro-Arab country with a fascinating ancient history, famous for the Pyramids of Giza and the pharaohs who built an empire along the Nile. Over the centuries, it has been under Greek, Roman, and Arab influence, and today it is a major cultural center of the Arab world.
Spain
Spain, a country in southwestern Europe, has a rich history marked by Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish influences, the latter leaving a deep impact on its architecture and culture. After the Reconquista and the union of the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon, it became a global empire, and today it is known for vibrant festivals, beautiful beaches, and famous landmarks such as the Alhambra and the Sagrada Familia.
