Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick. Argentina won 3-0. And now coach Lionel Scaloni has what you might call a luxury problem: figuring out which world-class striker gets the nod next.
Argentina opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on June 16 in Kansas City with a comprehensive dismantling of Algeria, with Messi finding the net in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes. It was his first-ever World Cup hat-trick. The result leaves the defending champions sitting pretty atop Group J heading into their second match against Austria on June 22.
The Álvarez vs. Martínez question
Scaloni’s central dilemma revolves around Julián Álvarez, currently plying his trade at Atlético Madrid, and Lautaro Martínez, the Inter Milan forward who has been a consistent contributor to Argentina’s attack across multiple tournaments. Both players are legitimate starters for top-tier European clubs. Both have proven themselves in an Argentina shirt.
Recent training sessions have reportedly given Álvarez a slight edge, which would represent a notable tactical choice from Scaloni. Álvarez tends to offer more fluidity and off-the-ball movement, making him a natural complement to a Messi who increasingly operates as a creative hub rather than a traditional forward. Martínez, on the other hand, is the more clinical finisher inside the box.
