Lautaro Martinez Follows Messi Absen Bela Argentina In 2026 World Cup Qualification

Lautaro Martinez will miss Argentina's 2026 World Cup Qualification match (Instagram/@lautaromartinez).

JAKARTA - Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez will miss the Conmebol Zone 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to hamstring injuries.

The Inter Milan player was on the bench for the second leg of last 16 of the Champions League against Feyenoord last week due to muscle discomfort.

However, the 27-year-old forward returned to play and scored in Inter Milan's win over Atalanta 2-0 in Serie A on Monday, March 17, 2025, before joining Lionel Scaloni's squad.

However, the latest news on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Argentine Football Federation (FA) informed that Lautaro Martinez would be sidelined due to injury to his left hamstring.

Martinez joins a growing list of injured players, including captain Lionel Messi, who is absent from a muscle injury, along with Gonzalo Montiel, Giovani Lo Celso, and Paulo Dybala.

This condition makes the La Albiceleste journey difficult. Indeed, Argentina is still five points ahead at the top of the standings and is on the right track to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals from the Conmebol zone.

However, Lionel Scaloni will face two major matches against traditional rivals Uruguay and Brazil this week.

If Argentina beats Uruguay who is in second place on Montevideo on Saturday, March 22, 2025, morning WIB, before claiming three points against Brazil in Buenos Aires four days later, it is a necessity to qualify.

It also depends on the results involving the team that are further below the standings.

Argentina harus mulai terbiasakan tanpa kehadiran Lionel Messi yang baru-baru ini cedera. Pemain berusia 37 tahun itu akan lenggal pada kedua pertandingan selama jembaga internasional.

Without the former Barcelona and PSG striker, Argentina will look forward to underlining their status as the best team in the world by winning both matches.

Argentina currently leads the 2026 World Cup Qualification standings Conmebol Zone with 25 points after 12 matches.