Why is Lautaro Martinez benched for Argentina vs Egypt FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash?

Lautaro Martinez started all four other games for Argentina.

Currently in a rampaging form, Argentina have reached the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The defending champions arrived in North America as one of the top favourites for the prestigious title, and they lived up to expectations.

In the group stage, they defeated Austria, Algeria, and Jordan comfortably, with Lionel Messi scoring six goals and becoming the only player in tournament history to reach 20 goals. However, their first big challenge came in the shape of Cape Verde.

Facing the World Cup debutants in their opening knockout game, La Albiceleste were kept on their toes by the Blue Sharks. Messi broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, but the game was equalised in the 59th minute by Deroy Duarte, and it was enough to force the game into extra time.

Lisandro Martinez gave the defending champions an early lead in the extra time before Sidny Canral scored a memorable curler to level the scoreline again. However, the game eventually ended 3-2 in favour of La Albiceleste after Cristian Romero’s header went into the goal as Diney Borges’s own goal.

While the game offered neck-to-neck action, Lautaro Martinez failed to create issues for Vozinha. And as Argentina get ready to face Egypt in their pre-quarterfinal fixture, fans are wondering why the 28-year-old has been named on the bench.

Also Read: Why is Thiago Almada benched for Argentina vs Egypt in FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16?

Why is Lautaro Martinez benched for Argentina vs Egypt FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash?

Lautaro Martinez has been named on the bench by Lionel Scaloni for Argentina’s round of 16 clash against Egypt. The Inter Milan captain was teaming up with Lionel Messi in the attack as he started all four games for the defending champions.

Martinez was subbed in the second half of all the games. He also scored a goal against Jordan. However, aside from that, the 28-year-old has struggled to maintain his form in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.

As a result, Atletico Madrid attacker Julián Álvarez will play in Martínez’s position in the round of 16 clash. Álvarez has also made three appearances for the three-time champions. Thus, the decision to bench Martinez comes from a purely tactical lens, according to the Argentine boss.

Lionel Messi will continue to keep the captain’s armband for La Albiceleste; however, he will be partnered by Julian Alvarez in the round of 16. Taking a look at Lautaro Martínez’s all-time career for the Argentine football team, already bagged 38 goals in 81 appearances.

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