The Argentina national football team is at a critical juncture in its preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Lionel Scaloni must decide who will occupy the center of the attack: Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez. Historically, the Albiceleste has had outstanding players in that position, such as Gabriel Batistuta, Hernán Crespo, and Gonzalo Higuaín. In the debut against Algeria, Lautaro Martínez was chosen to play from the start, but was replaced by Julián Álvarez at 55 minutes. The Atlético de Madrid player arrived at the World Cup with an injury, but recovered without problems. Scaloni assured that Álvarez is available to play. The doubt about who will play in the attack remains a topic of debate. Julián Álvarez scored eight goals in 29 La Liga games, while Lautaro Martínez was the top scorer in Serie A with 17 goals. The Albiceleste played 18 matches in the South American qualifiers, and in ten of them, Álvarez was a starter. In the 2024 Copa América, Julián Álvarez was a starter in two group stage matches and in the final, while Lautaro Martínez played from the start in one group stage match and in the quarterfinals. Next Monday, Scaloni will make official the eleven that will face Austria, and it will be known if he bets on Lautaro, on Julián, or if both share the Albiceleste's attack.