From Semifinal Hero to Unused Substitute
Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final has sparked one major question among fans and pundits alike: why didn’t Lionel Scaloni use Lautaro Martínez?
Martínez was reported fit and available for the final, yet he was neither named in the starting XI nor among the six substitutes used during the match. The decision came as a surprise, especially after the striker’s match-winning contribution in the semifinal against England.
Coming off the bench in the 80th minute, Lautaro scored Argentina’s dramatic winning goal in the 90+2nd minute to send La Albiceleste into the World Cup Final. Going from semifinal hero to an unused substitute in the biggest game of the tournament was an unexpected twist.
Scaloni’s tactical decisions largely explain the move. By the 70th minute, injuries to Cristian Romero and Rodrigo De Paul forced Argentina into defensive changes, with Facundo Medina and Giuliano Simeone coming on. With Spain controlling possession, Scaloni chose to stick with Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez rather than switching to a three-striker attack.
Argentina’s hopes suffered another blow when Enzo Fernández was sent off. Down to ten men, Scaloni withdrew Álvarez to introduce Marcos Senesi for defensive cover, leaving no opportunity for Lautaro to enter the match.
The gamble failed as Spain held on to lift the World Cup trophy, leaving many to wonder whether Argentina’s semifinal hero could have changed the outcome if given the chance.
