Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez is favourite over Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez to start for Argentina against Peru.
This according to Argentine broadcaster TyC Sports, via FCInterNews. The broadcaster reports that Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi will be back in the lineup, and Martinez will make way.
in Argentina’s first World Cup qualifier of the current international break against Paraguay, both Alvarez and Martinez started.
They formed the front three alongside Fiorentina winger Nico Gonzalez.
However, TyC reports, current Inter Miami and former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward Messi will return to the starting eleven.
Therefore, it is not likely that both Alvarez and Martinez will start.
And according to the broadcaster, it is the Inter striker who will make way. Martinez will start tonight’s match on the bench.
Julian Alvarez To Start For Argentina Vs Peru – Lautaro Martinez Drops To The Bench
There has been some uncertainty about who the first-choice starter is in attack for Argentina.
Prior to last year’s World Cup in Qatar, Martinez had a clear claim on the role.
However, it was a tournament to forget for the Nerazzurri striker.
Martinez was not able to score or assist a goal during the tournament. He has started the Albiceleste’s first two matches against Saudi Arabia and Mexico, but did not start after that.
It was Manchester City striker Alvarez who took Martinez’s place in the lineup.
However, in the matches since Qatar, Martinez has started getting back into the Argentina starting eleven.
Against Paraguay, the 26-year-old showed that he is more than capable of playing alongside Alvarez.
But with Messi coming back into the team, TyC Sport report that Martinez will make way. He will drop to the bench, though could make an appearance as a substitute.
Martinez has received 51 caps for Argentina. He has scored 21 goals in the process.
