Lautaro Martínez will not start for Argentina against Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal on July 11, with Lionel Scaloni opting for a tactical tweak that leaves the Inter Milan striker on the bench for a second straight match. No official injury explanation has been given, but the move hands the starting spot to Julian Alvarez—who will partner Lionel Messi in attack once more.**
Why is Lautaro Martínez not starting?
Scaloni’s decision to exclude Martínez from the lineup comes without a confirmed injury update, fueling speculation that it’s a calculated gamble. The Argentina manager has repeatedly rotated his attack this tournament, but the omission of Martínez—one of the tournament’s top goal-scorers—is unusual given the stakes. Switzerland, meanwhile, face their own crisis: Johan Manzambi’s absence due to injury weakens their midfield ahead of a match where a single goal could decide the knockout stage.
How did Martínez perform last time he came off the bench?
Martínez’s last appearance in the tournament was in Argentina’s Round of 16 win over Egypt, where he entered as a substitute and played a key role in the comeback. His ability to influence games from the bench has made him a dangerous option, but Scaloni’s reluctance to start him suggests a deeper strategy. The manager may be testing Alvarez’s consistency or managing Martínez’s workload ahead of a potential semifinal showdown.
Who starts for Argentina—and what’s Switzerland’s weakness?
Argentina’s confirmed lineup features Emiliano Martínez in goal, with Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolás Tagliafico forming the defense. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes, and Alexis Mac Allister provide support, while Messi and Alvarez lead the attack. Switzerland’s absence of Manzambi—one of their most creative players—could leave them vulnerable in possession, especially against Argentina’s high press.
What’s next for Martínez and Argentina?
With Argentina favored by FIFA rankings and Switzerland fighting to reach the top 10, the quarterfinal could be a turning point. If Martínez scores from the bench again, he’ll reinforce his case for a starting spot in the semifinals. But for now, Scaloni’s gamble means Alvarez gets another chance to prove he can carry the offensive burden without his teammate.
