Lionel Messi defended his Argentina teammate Lautaro Martinez after the Inter striker was criticised for his lack of goals at the World Cup.
The 25-year-old forward has appeared in all four of Argentina’s matches at the World Cup so far, starting against both Saudi Arabia and Mexico, but he has failed to be decisive for Lionel Scaloni, not contributing to a single goal in Qatar.
The Italian press criticised Lautaro for his disappointing cameo appearance in Argentina’s win over Australia, suggesting he was suffering from ‘Lukaku syndrome’.
Speaking to TyC Sport, Messi defended his friend and teammate Lautaro, calling him important for Argentina at the World Cup.
“Lautaro is a very important player for us, he is a striker who lives by scoring goals. Now it is fundamental that he is well in view of the quarter-final and what still has to happen in this World Cup.”
The 25-year-old Lautaro has been an important player for Inter this season, scoring eight goals and providing six assists in 21 appearances across Serie A and the Champions League. He’ll be desperate to find the back of the net in Argentina’s upcoming World Cup quarter final clash with the Netherlands.