Lautaro Martínez is in the running to partner Lionel Messi in Argentina's 2026 World Cup last-16 meeting with Cape Verde.

What's at Stake?

The Inter Milan captain started all three group-stage victories, while Julián Álvarez has yet to impress.

Recent Performance

Martínez ended his World Cup goal drought with a penalty conversion against Jordan on 18 Jun.

Lautaro Martínez has been outstanding, regardless of whether he scores or not, said Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina coach.

Transfer Speculation

Julián Álvarez has become a key figure in this summer's transfer window, with Barcelona submitting an offer to Atlético Madrid.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the offer, saying the player wants to come.

Lautaro Martínez has compensated for Álvarez's lack of impact with relentless work rate and selfless performances.

Upcoming Fixture

Argentina faces Cape Verde in Miami on Friday, with Scaloni considering two further changes, including Nicolás Tagliafico and Facundo Medina for the left-back position.

Cristian 'Cuti' Romero could return to the heart of Argentina's defense.

Lionel Messi sits joint top in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot, alongside France's Kylian Mbappé, with six goals each.

Lautaro Martínez will hope to build on his first World Cup goal and secure his spot as Messi's strike partner.

The Argentina coach has no doubts about either Lautaro or Julián, saying they both do an incredible amount of work.

Goals are always welcome, but they both offer something different, Scaloni added.

Lautaro Martínez has been delivering for Argentina, and his work rate has been impressive.

The 2026 World Cup has seen some exciting matches so far, and Argentina's clash with Cape Verde is highly anticipated.

Lautaro Martínez will be looking to make an impact and help his team advance to the next round.

The match against Cape Verde will be a tough test for Argentina, but with Martínez and Messi leading the charge, they have a good chance of winning.

Lautaro Martínez has been working hard to improve his game, and it's paying off.

He's become a key player for Argentina, and his partnership with Messi is crucial to their success.

The World Cup is a prestigious tournament, and Lautaro Martínez is determined to make a name for himself.

He's got the skills and the talent, and with his work rate and dedication, he can achieve great things.

The future is bright for Lautaro Martínez, and Argentina fans will be excited to see what he can do.

Lautaro Martínez is ready for the challenge against Cape Verde, and he's confident that Argentina can win.

The team has been preparing well, and they're all focused on the task at hand.

It's going to be a tough match, but Lautaro Martínez is up for it.

He's a talented player, and he's got the potential to make a real difference.

The 2026 World Cup is an exciting tournament, and Lautaro Martínez is one of the players to watch.

He's got the skills, the talent, and the dedication, and he's ready to make an impact.

Lautaro Martínez is a key player for Argentina, and he's going to be important in their clash with Cape Verde.

The match is going to be a close one, but with Martínez and Messi leading the charge, Argentina has a good chance of winning.

Lautaro Martínez is confident, and he's ready to take on the challenge.

He's a talented player, and he's got the potential to make a real difference.

The future is bright for Lautaro Martínez, and Argentina fans will be excited to see what he can do.