Lautaro Martinez, who scored the winning goal in Argentina's semi-final, was left on the bench for the World Cup final and has expressed his frustration. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain on Sunday in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres netting the winner in extra time.
Martinez's frustration
Martinez watched from the bench as Argentina struggled, failing to register a single shot on target in 120 minutes. Despite being the Inter Milan star with 40 goals in 84 caps for his country, including three in the tournament, he was not brought on. In an Instagram post, he wrote: 'I would have liked to try to help the team out on the pitch yesterday, but oh well.'
Match context
Spain dominated the game but needed extra time to break down the South American champions. Argentina's cause was not helped by a red card for Enzo Fernandez shortly before the end of normal time and an injury to Lisandro Martinez in the first half. Manager Lionel Scaloni's plans were disrupted, yet Martinez remained unused.
Scaloni's future
Scaloni hinted he may step down when his contract ends in December. Despite the final defeat, he has won a World Cup and two Copa Americas. He said: 'I have an idea of what I want to do, I'll fulfill the contract and then I'll see. I don't know if I'll be able to do something as big as this.'
Martinez concluded his post: 'We gave it our all; for the second World Cup in a row, we reached the final, though this time it wasn't meant to be. I am so proud to be Argentine.'
