Mario Kempes, world champion with Argentina in 1978, praised Lautaro Martinez after the decisive goal against England. According to the former striker, the goal scored by the Toro in the semifinal goes far beyond its technical value.

“It’s a goal that no one will ever forget. Neither Lautaro, because you don’t often score in a World Cup semifinal, nor the Argentine people, who continue to experience incredible moments of happiness. Here in the United States, you see albiceleste shirts in every city: it feels like home, the players feel this love,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Kempes emphasized how Martinez did not need the World Cup to prove his worth. “Nothing is like the World Cup, nothing gives such emotions and visibility, but Lautaro was already among the best strikers in the world for everything he had done before, with Inter, the club of his life, and with the national team.”

The former champion then recalled the path built over the years by the Nerazzurri captain: “Let’s remember that he had already decided a Copa America and that in Milan, as a foreigner, he earned the captain’s armband. This goal is just a confirmation of the greatness of this striker.”

On the possible use in the final, Kempes sees no problems with the coexistence or alternation between Martinez and Julian Alvarez. “I don’t know, Scaloni‘s system includes Messi with another striker, Julian Alvarez or Lautaro himself. But, the way football is now, even starting from the bench can be decisive. Lauti’s skill in the semifinal was coming in with the right attitude, actually a perfect one.”

Kempes drew a distinction between the two center forwards. “Lautaro is more of a box player, born for the goal. Julian is more of a creator, but he knows how to punish defenses. Both have extraordinary shots, as shown by the goals against Egypt and England. They are still world champions and I hope they become… double champions.”

On the eve of the final, the advice for Martinez is clear: “To be himself, the Toro. To do what he has always done. Players become great when they manage to experience decisive matches as if they were any other game. Lautaro has shown many times that he has this character.”

On the challenge with Spain, Kempes added: “It will be crucial to understand who will control possession more and bring the higher pressure: if Argentina can do it well too, not just Spain. Let’s say it’s power against tiki-taka. Unpredictability that arises on the road against organization: it’s hard to get bored.”

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