Argentina’s attacking puzzle: should scaloni start álvarez or martínez?

A familiar question for Argentina’s attack

Argentina is once again debating a familiar question: “Julián or Lautaro?” Just as in the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America, coach Lionel Scaloni must decide between Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez to lead the line. The other forward position is, of course, untouchable, belonging to Lionel Messi. Any doubt about that was erased by his hat-trick in the opening match, which firmly ended any discussion about his role.

This is a selection headache any manager would welcome. With the Inter Milan star and the Atlético Madrid forward, Scaloni has two of the world’s top five most valuable strikers at his disposal, according to Transfermarkt—a luxury comparable to Didier Deschamps’ options with Mbappé and Dembélé for France. While a player’s market value is influenced by factors like contract length, the high valuations of Martínez (€85 million) and Álvarez (€100 million) underscore their exceptional quality, with the latter currently at the center of transfer speculation.

Contrasting styles: the bull versus the spider

Although both are prolific goalscorers with a similar stature of just over 1.70m, Martínez and Álvarez offer distinctly different profiles on the pitch.

Martínez, 28, who started the opening game, brings a more robust physical presence. His superior heading ability makes him a constant threat from set-pieces and allows him to score frequently with his head—netting five this season compared to zero for Álvarez. Known as “El Toro” (The Bull), he excels at making deep, decisive runs, making him a potent weapon on the counter-attack. He is also lethal inside the penalty area, as demonstrated by his memorable bicycle kick against Peru.

Furthermore, his ability to play with his back to goal and engage in duels gives him a more developed defensive skillset than his 26-year-old counterpart.

Álvarez, nicknamed “La Araña” (The Spider), possesses superior dribbling skills. This allows him to carry the ball forward and advance his team’s position, a trait less favored by Martínez, who prefers to receive the ball in stride. Álvarez is also a better playmaker, having provided eight assists this season. Despite his height, he did not score a single header this season, a detail that can be significant in a World Cup.

However, he compensates with a remarkable ability to score from long range with either foot and a technical finesse that enables him to navigate tight spaces effectively.

The numbers game: a complicated narrative

Martínez has a challenging history with the World Cup, having failed to score in eight appearances in the tournament. The dynamic between the two rivals shifted during the third group stage match in 2022.

After two goalless starts against Saudi Arabia and Mexico, the Inter striker lost his place to Álvarez. The younger forward seized his chance against Poland and never looked back, establishing himself as the first-choice striker. With four goals in the final five matches of the tournament, including a brace in the semi-final against Croatia, the then-Manchester City player earned Scaloni’s trust. The coach continued to prefer him over Martínez during the 2024 Copa America, even though Álvarez scored fewer goals (2) than Martínez (5) in that competition.

Since the start of that South American tournament in June 2024, which the Albiceleste won, Martínez has scored thirteen goals and provided three assists in 1,180 minutes for his country. In comparison, Álvarez has seven goals and two assists in 1,600 minutes.

Form, fitness, and a transfer saga

Despite Martínez’s superior recent statistics, his underwhelming performance in the first match has reopened the debate. Julián Álvarez had been the established number one in recent months. His absence from the starting lineup was due to a calf injury he sustained with Atlético in the Champions League semi-final. His 35-minute appearance against Algeria was his first time on the pitch since May 5. Before that game, Scaloni had confirmed, “Julian is ready to play.”

The question now is whether he will return to the starting XI against Austria on Monday or in the final group match. The coach is aware that his forward is embroiled in the biggest transfer saga in Spain, and his performances will inevitably be analyzed through that lens. Under contract with Atlético until 2030, the Argentine is being pursued by top European clubs. The situation is tense, with Atlético even responding sarcastically on social media to a €100 million offer from the Catalans. Also linked with Arsenal and PSG, Álvarez has reportedly informed Atlético of his desire to leave and not continue under coach Simeone, according to “Marca”. While Barcelona seems a likely destination, the Álvarez transfer saga is expected to dominate the summer.