Following Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, several players took to social media to reflect on their unsuccessful title defense. Among them was Lautaro Martinez, whose post raised eyebrows among La Albiceleste supporters.
While thanking the national team’s supporters, Martinez seemingly took a shot at head coach Lionel Scaloni, who left him on the bench during the final game, despite being Argentina’s second-leading scorer of the tournament with three goals.
“We tried. For the second consecutive World Cup, we reached the final, but this time it wasn’t meant to be. I’m so proud to be Argentine,” Martinez began in his statement.
“I would’ve liked to have tried to help the team on the field, but never mind. Thank you to everyone who supported us during this tournament, travelling kilometer after kilometer to be close to us, and all those who encouraged us from every corner of our country,” he added.
June 16, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.; Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal with Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martinez, Thiago Almada and Enzo Fernandez. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Enzo Fernández receiving his marching orders in the 93rd minute for getting his second yellow card probably threw a wrench in head coach Lionel Scaloni’s lineup plans late in the game.
With one substitution left in the match and with the game still scoreless, Scaloni decided to replace Julian Alvarez with Marcos Senesi in the 102nd minute to bolster their backline, hoping to force a penalty shootout because they were one man short.
However, the plan ultimately backfired because they conceded a late goal from Ferran Torres, whose volley found the back of the net in the 106th minute. Overall, it was a stinker for La Albiceleste in the final third, as they didn’t have a single shot on target. Lautaro Martinez would’ve helped in that regard.
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