Tension boiled over inside the Argentina camp following their dramatic extra-time victory over Cape Verde when captain Lautaro Martínez allegedly opened fire inside the dressing room in a fit of rage.
According to sources close to the squad, the Inter Milan striker was furious after Argentina were held 2-2 at one stage and failed to close out the game comfortably. What began as a heated discussion reportedly escalated when Martínez, still seething from the team’s inability to kill the game earlier, allegedly pulled out a firearm and discharged several shots toward his teammates.
Miraculously, no one was injured in the incident.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as players ducked for cover while Martínez reportedly shouted in frustration about the team’s lack of killer instinct. One unnamed player was said to have been “inches away” from being struck, though the shots appeared to be fired in the general direction rather than aimed at any specific individual.
Team staff quickly intervened and the situation was brought under control. Argentina’s medical team confirmed that no players required treatment and everyone remained fit for upcoming matches.
Lionel Scaloni, who was present in the dressing room, reportedly tried to calm his captain down before the situation spiraled. Sources say the coach later held a private conversation with Martínez to address his reaction.
The Argentine Football Association has not yet released an official statement, but a source close to the federation described the incident as “an internal matter that has been resolved.” Security around the camp has reportedly been increased.
Martínez, who has been under pressure to deliver consistently at the World Cup, was said to be deeply disappointed with the team’s performance despite the eventual win. The 28-year-old has a history of showing intense emotions on the pitch, but this marks the first time such an incident has occurred off it.
Teammates were said to be “shocked but understanding” of the captain’s frustration, with some even joking afterward that “Lautaro’s shooting was better than our finishing in the first half.”
As of now, no charges have been filed and the matter appears to have been handled internally by the squad and coaching staff. Argentina are expected to continue their World Cup campaign as normal.
The bizarre episode has sent shockwaves through social media, with fans and pundits debating whether the pressure of leading the defending champions is beginning to take its toll on the usually composed striker.
