One of the central selection questions surrounding Argentina ahead of the World Cup concerns the identity of the first-choice centre-forward in Lionel Scaloni’s starting XI. The decision lies between Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, two forwards in strong form at club level and widely regarded as elite options in the position. Their simultaneous availability presents a favourable dilemma for the coaching staff.
Argentina are scheduled to face Honduras in a friendly match next Saturday. Álvarez, who plays for Atlético Madrid, is unavailable due to injury, which increases the likelihood of Martínez, of Inter Milan, starting the match. However, since the most recent FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Álvarez has featured more regularly in Argentina’s starting line-up as the central striker.
During the Qatar World Cup, Martínez initially began as the team’s primary forward. Following the group-stage match against Mexico, Álvarez replaced him in the starting XI. The change reflected a tactical adjustment, as Álvarez offers greater pace and is more effective in pressing opposition defenders. These attributes contributed to his regular inclusion, particularly due to his effective on-field understanding with Lionel Messi in the attacking phase.
Álvarez delivered measurable contributions during the tournament. He scored against Poland in the group stage, found the net again in the Round of 16 against Australia, and registered two goals in the semi-final against Croatia, playing a significant role in Argentina’s progression.
Following Argentina’s World Cup triumph, Scaloni continued to provide Martínez with opportunities. In certain matches, both forwards were deployed together, particularly in the absence of Messi. The statistical record from the 2024 Copa América reflects a different pattern. Martínez scored five goals in the competition, finishing as the top scorer, although he started only two of Argentina’s six matches.
The recent club-season performances of both players are outlined below:
| Player | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lautaro Martínez | 41 | 22 | 6 | Maintained output despite injury issues |
| Julián Álvarez | 49 | 20 | 9 | Half of goals scored in Champions League |
Martínez’s season was affected by muscle injuries, which led to his absence from World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil. Although he was included in squads for matches against Chile and Colombia, he did not feature on the pitch. He also missed two international friendlies earlier in the year and was sidelined for a notable portion of Inter Milan’s season. Despite these interruptions, he recorded 22 goals and six assists across all competitions.
Álvarez also experienced a challenging period between November and February, during which he went several league matches without scoring. Nevertheless, he concluded the season with 20 goals and nine assists in 49 appearances, including a significant contribution in the UEFA Champions League.
He sustained a serious ankle injury in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final but still participated in the return leg with the aid of pain management. Subsequently, he missed the remainder of the La Liga season. He has since resumed training with the national squad, and there is no reported concern regarding his availability for the World Cup.
For the upcoming friendly against Honduras at Kyle Field in Texas, Martínez is expected to start due to his comparatively better physical condition. However, if both players are fully fit, Álvarez has more frequently been preferred in recent selections.
The final decision regarding Argentina’s first-choice striker will depend on fitness levels, tactical considerations, and match requirements, as has been the case in previous major tournaments.