Lautaro Martínez: El Toro's Time to Shine in Qatar

At 25 years old, Lautaro Martínez looks set to play a leading role in Argentina's hopes of winning their first World Cup since 1986. The goal machine from Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires has been one of the most consistent players since Lionel Scaloni took over the coaching reigns of the Argentina National Team in 2018, forming a deadly partnership up front with Lionel Messi, where Lautaro operates as a Centre Forward (CF) with Messi operating behind him in a Supporting Striker (SS) position.

Together with Messi, they have led Argentina to their first international title since 1993 by winning the Copa America 2021 where Lautaro scored 3 goals in the tournament. His goals were important goals as well, being scored in the knockout stages of the competition. He scored the second killer goal against Ecuador in the quarterfinals, after Ángel Di Maria pressed and closed down the Ecuadorian defender, forcing into an error in the process, Messi immediately picked a one-time side-foot pass to Lautaro who took one touch before placing a well-hit shot into the net.