Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez left the pitch injured during Inter Milan's 1-3 loss to Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League playoffs, sparking concerns for Argentina's national team ahead of the Finalissima against Spain. The injury, reportedly serious, happened in the 14th minute of the second half. With the match against Spain just 37 days away, doubts grow over his availability.
Inter Milan lost 1-3 to Bodø/Glimt in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs, played on February 18, 2026, at Aspmyra Stadion in Bodø, Norway. Bodø/Glimt's goals were scored by Sondre Brunstad Fet (20' PT), Jens Hauge (15' ST), and Kasper Hogh (18' ST), while Francesco Pio Esposito netted Inter's consolation (29' PT). Despite holding more possession (60%) and shots on target (15 vs 9), Inter could not turn the tide.
Lautaro Martínez, starting in the lineup, was substituted in the 14th minute of the second half for Marcus Thuram after feeling discomfort in his right calf. The striker grimaced in pain and left the field without walking normally, heading straight to the locker room for medical attention. Interim coach Cristian Chivu confirmed the severity: "We lost Lautaro; he got injured. It's something serious." Reports suggest it could be a tear sidelining him for at least three weeks.
The injury comes 37 days before the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain, scheduled for March 27 in Lusail, Qatar. It adds to a string of absences in the national team: Juan Foyth with an Achilles tendon rupture (over six months), Nicolás González with a muscle injury (21 days), Giovani Lo Celso with a thigh muscle issue (uncertain), Nicolás Tagliafico with an ankle sprain (return unclear), and Lionel Messi with a hamstring strain (will arrive just in time). Lionel Scaloni's staff faces a challenging outlook for the key match.
