Home / Sports / Argentina Rests Star Striker Lautaro Martinez Ahead of Crucial Matches
Argentina Rests Star Striker Lautaro Martinez Ahead of Crucial Matches
14 Oct
Summary
- Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni to rest Lautaro Martinez in friendly
- Martinez needs time to recover from fitness setbacks in 2025
- Palmeiras forward Jose Manuel Lopez to replace Martinez in the starting lineup
According to reports, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni will bench star striker Lautaro Martinez for tonight's international friendly against Puerto Rico. Martinez, the Inter Milan captain, has maintained an elite status in the national team's squad, but Scaloni believes he needs time to recover ahead of more competitive fixtures.
The 28-year-old forward has faced numerous fitness setbacks throughout 2025, and Scaloni is considering resting him for this evening's match. Despite Martinez's match-winning exploits in Argentina's narrow 1-0 victory over Venezuela last weekend, where he provided an assist, the Nerazzurri skipper will drop to the bench tonight.
Palmeiras center-forward Jose Manuel Lopez is expected to take Martinez's place in the starting lineup. This decision by Scaloni aims to ensure Martinez is well-rested and ready to perform at his best in Argentina's upcoming, more crucial matches.
