Argentina Striker Selection Debate Continues

The selection of Argentina’s primary striker ahead of the World Cup remains one of the key tactical questions facing head coach Lionel Scaloni, with both Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez competing for the starting number nine role. Both forwards are in strong form at club level and are regarded as world-class options in attack.

Argentina are set to face Honduras in a friendly match on Saturday. Due to injury, Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez will not be available, increasing the likelihood that Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez will start in the first eleven. Since the 2022 FIFA World Cup, however, Álvarez has generally featured more regularly as Argentina’s starting striker in major matches.

During the Qatar World Cup, Martínez initially began as Argentina’s primary striker. However, after the group-stage victory against Mexico, Álvarez was introduced into the starting role. His playing style differs significantly from Martínez’s, with greater pace and more effective pressing, attributes that have contributed to his regular selection.

Álvarez’s impact at the 2022 World Cup was decisive. He scored in the group-stage win against Poland, added another goal in the round of 16 against Australia, and delivered a standout performance in the semi-final against Croatia, where he scored twice to help Argentina reach the final.

Following Argentina’s World Cup triumph, Martínez continued to receive opportunities under Scaloni. In several matches, both forwards were used together in attack, particularly in games where Lionel Messi was not available.

At the 2024 Copa América, Martínez finished as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, despite starting only two of Argentina’s six matches. This reflects his role as a rotational rather than consistent starter during the competition.

Martínez has also faced injury setbacks. A muscle injury ruled him out of important World Cup qualifying victories against Uruguay and Brazil, and he did not feature in matches against Chile and Colombia despite being called up. He also missed Argentina’s two friendly fixtures this year due to injury. His fitness issues extended into the latter part of his club season with Inter Milan.

Despite these setbacks, Martínez recorded strong overall statistics. Across all competitions, he played 41 matches, scored 22 goals, and provided six assists.

Álvarez, known as “The Spider,” also produced a notable season at Atlético Madrid. Across all competitions, he played 49 matches, scored 20 goals, and provided nine assists, with half of his goals coming in the Champions League. Although Atlético did not win a major trophy, his individual contribution remained significant.

Álvarez experienced a goal drought in league football between November and February but later regained form in the final phase of the season. He also sustained a serious ankle injury to his left foot during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, which required him to play the return leg while receiving pain relief treatment. He subsequently missed the remainder of the La Liga season.

However, there are no concerns regarding his participation in World Cup preparations, and he has already resumed training with teammates. Ahead of the friendly against Honduras at Kyle Field, Texas, Martínez is still considered more likely to start as the central striker due to his comparatively better physical condition.

Key forward comparison

If both players remain fully fit, Álvarez is widely considered a strong candidate to remain Scaloni’s preferred choice, reflecting a situation similar to the build-up to the Qatar World Cup, when he eventually displaced Martínez in the starting role.