Argentina in crisis before the big match with Brazil

After Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala, it was Lautaro Martinez's turn to withdraw from the Argentina national team before two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.

Argentina lost two key stars on the attack line.

According to the announcement from the Argentine Football Federation, the reason for "El Toro" withdrawing from the national team is due to a biceps injury in the left hamstring. The player born in 1997 had problems after a long time working at the club level and has not yet determined the date of his return.

Lautaro Martinez is having an impressive season with Inter Milan. He has made 39 appearances in all competitions and scored 18 goals. The Argentine striker continues to prove his importance for the club, as well as for the Argentina national team. Lautaro has made 70 appearances for the "Albiceleste" so far and scored 32 goals, including the winning goal that helped Argentina win the Copa America last summer, his fourth title with the team.

Before Lautaro, Messi also withdrew from the national team due to injury. The Argentine Football Federation did not reveal the reason for Messi's absence, but according to the media, the Inter Miami striker suffered a muscle injury while playing against Atlanta Utd in MLS. In addition, Paulo Dybala was also unable to join the team.

The absence of Messi, Dybala and Lautaro is a big loss for the Argentina team, especially in the context that the reigning world champions will have to face Uruguay and Brazil, respectively on March 22 and 26. The "Albicelestes" will play Uruguay away, followed by the South American Super Classic against Brazil in Buenos Aires.