Argentina’s national team is caught in a storm of off‑field issues that could see one of its biggest stars stay home during the September international break. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Argentine federation, still reeling from legal accusations against president Claudio Tapia and a backlog of World Cup bonuses, may omit Lautaro Martínez from the squad that will face Burkina Faso, Bolivia and Benin.
Why Martínez could be left out
Scaloni, whose contract is set to expire in December 2026, is reportedly weary of extending his tenure amid the turmoil. Sources say he prefers to protect his core players from a chaotic environment, and the federation’s delayed announcement of opponents only adds to the uncertainty. Martínez, 29, captains Inter Milan and has been a regular starter for Argentina since the 2022 World Cup, but the current climate may convince the coaching staff to keep him at home.
Federation’s internal struggles
The Argentine FA is juggling several crises. Tapia faces a legal battle over alleged money‑laundering, while the promised World Cup bonuses have yet to reach the players. Those financial delays have strained relationships between the squad and the administration, making travel to South America for low‑profile friendlies less appealing. Even veteran Lionel Messi, who is set to retire from international duty, appears unconvinced about the federation’s handling of his farewell.
Impact on Inter Milan
For Inter, having Martínez available for training and Serie A matches could be a relief. The Nerazzurri are in the midst of a demanding Champions League group stage, and losing their captain to travel would have disrupted preparation. A stay‑at‑home scenario also means Inter can maintain squad continuity ahead of the crucial November fixtures.
Potential squad scenario
According to the report, Martínez and Inter have already received a pre‑call‑up notice, but the federation may decide to keep the forward out of the November friendlies as well. If the decision is confirmed on Monday, it would be the first time since the 2022 World Cup that Martínez has missed an international window while still being fit.
Historical context
Argentina has a history of resting key players during low‑stakes matches, but the current combination of legal drama, unpaid bonuses and a coach nearing the end of his contract makes this situation unique. The move could set a precedent for how the federation handles squad selection when internal issues threaten player morale.
What fans can expect
Should Martínez stay at Inter, the Argentine side will likely field a younger, less experienced lineup against the three African and South American nations. That could give emerging talents a chance to impress, but it also risks a lackluster performance that might affect the team’s FIFA ranking ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Scaloni should prioritize stability over sentiment. Leaving Martínez at Inter protects the striker’s fitness and gives Inter a boost, while the federation can avoid further backlash by fielding a manageable squad.
Tactically, Argentina will be forced to rely on less seasoned forwards, which could limit their attacking options against the friendlies. Strategically, the decision signals a shift toward protecting club interests when the national setup is in disarray.
Preguntas Frecuentes
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the federation is considering leaving Martínez at Inter due to internal tensions, so he may miss the matches.
The FA president Claudio Tapia faces a legal battle over money‑laundering allegations and the promised World Cup bonuses have not been paid, creating unrest.
Scaloni’s contract is set to expire in December 2026, and he has indicated he does not intend to extend it.