Lautaro Martinez was only a bit-part figure in Argentina’s World Cup win but he could truly cement his star status by guiding Inter to European glory in the Champions League, Apollo Heyes suggests.
The 25-year-old striker has long been a key player at the Nerazzurri, growing into a talented but sometimes inconsistent centre forward in the Lombardy capital.
Once the less appreciated figure in his partnership with Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro is now a talismanic figure for Inter, exemplified by his goal in the 1-0 win over Milan in the Champions League semi-finals.
Lautaro caused the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza to erupt with his 74th minute strike against Milan, sending Inter fans to dreamland with a goal that confirmed Inter’s progression to the Champions League final, where they’ll face the winner of Manchester City-Real Madrid, and now he’s looking to go one step further.
This chance of European silverware is vitally important to the 25-year-old, especially after the World Cup in Qatar. Although he lifted the trophy with Argentina, Lautaro did not play a particularly key role in their success, failing to score in his six appearances at the tournament.
He only started the first two group games and was left to be second half substitute for the rest, a disappointing position despite the eventual triumph.
Whilst nothing can take away Lautaro’s World Cup winners medal, it’s fair to say that he didn’t announce himself on the world stage. Now, he has the chance to change this.
With Inter entering the Champions League finals as the obvious underdogs, regardless of the result in the other semi-final, there are far less expectations on Simone Inzaghi and his squad, giving them a slight psychological edge.
Lautaro’s experience of winning the World Cup, and the pressures that accompany playing in the biggest matches in world football, could prove key for the Champions League final.
The 25-year-old has looked far better this season after the mid-season break and his confidence will be sky-high heading to Istanbul, giving him the chance to truly make history with Inter.
Should Lautaro manage to play a leading role in the Champions League final, he’d truly show the world why he’s one of the best centre forwards around, giving him the respect he’s likely earnt after his impressive development with Inter.
Words: Apollo Heyes