While Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala are anxious at potentially missing the World Cup for Argentina, Lautaro Martinez assures he is only focused on Inter. ‘I never hold back.’
The striker found the net five times with two assists in 14 competitive appearances for the Nerazzurri so far this season.
He is tipped to lead the attack for Argentina in their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on November 22, but Juventus man Di Maria and Roma’s Dybala are both struggling with injury problems.
This has created more worries among the other players who don’t want to risk missing out on this historic occasion.
“As far as I am concerned, you have to keep playing the same way as always, because if you hold back, you risk it going against you,” Lautaro Martinez told TyC Sports in Argentina.
“I try to keep playing in my usual way, doing the same work I always do on the pitch. I never hold back. Obviously, I also then touch wood and hope for the best…
“I sent Angel Di Maria a message after his injury and he was calm, he said he’ll recover in about 20 days. I hope both he and Paulo recover quickly, as they are very important for our team.”
Argentina are one of the favourites going into the tournament in Qatar, which is set to be the last for Lionel Messi, especially as they are the reigning champions of South America.
“We will be competitive because we are preparing in the best possible way and already proved ourselves against the European teams too,” added the Inter striker.
“I see Brazil and France as favourites, as they have very strong players. We want to go as far as possible.”
Lautaro Martinez has 21 goals in 40 senior caps for Argentina.
They have been placed in a 2022 World Cup group with Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland.
Vamos Argentina. 🙂
Have a feeling Argentina or Brazil are winning it.
Argentina has the right mix to win it all.