Lautaro Martinez finishes the World Cup with 3 goals but remains on the bench in the final

The Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez experienced a 2026 World Cup of highs and lows, ending with the great disappointment of the final against Spain. The Inter striker never took part in the match won by the Spaniards in extra time, having to watch from the bench as Spain triumphed thanks to Ferran Torres.

However, the competition record shows three goals scored by the Argentine. The first came from the penalty spot against Jordan in the last group match, with Argentina already qualified. The following goals were much more significant: the goal in the quarterfinals against Switzerland and the one in the semifinals against England allowed Martinez to reach 40 goals with the Seleccion, becoming the fourth all-time top scorer behind Messi, Batistuta, and Aguero.

During the tournament, the role of the Nerazzurri number 10 changed: a starter in the first four matches, he then came off the bench in the next three. Despite less playing time, his contribution to the group was constant, never a controversy or a misplaced word. Also noteworthy was the assist for Enzo Fernandez‘s winning goal against Egypt.

The course of the final did not allow Scaloni the chance to use him, sparking protests from Argentine fans. Meanwhile, the tradition continues of having at least one Inter player in the final since 1982. For Lautaro, now it’s time for a holiday before returning to Milan, where the team and the city await the return of their captain.