The captain of Inter Lautaro Martinez spoke in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport after the World Cup semifinal won by Argentina against England, marked by his decisive goal in stoppage time. Words full of emotion from the number 22 for the Nerazzurri, who described that goal as the most important of his career along with the one in the Copa America final.

The first thought after the goal went to his family: “For my mom, whom I just called and who is working. When I step onto the field, I only think of my children who have changed my life, of my wife. Everything I do is for them. And then my father, who is the main reason for this journey. He taught me to behave like a mature person, to be a hard worker. Ours is a united family both in good times and in difficult ones.”

The Argentine striker then revealed the deep meaning of that goal: “It means so much because it’s worth qualification for the final. It’s a goal that every Argentine would have wanted to score and I did it. As soon as the ball went in, I didn’t understand anything anymore. I immediately went to look for my family who were there, near that goal. It’s the most important goal of my career along with the one scored in the Copa America final.”

A special destiny has linked Martinez to another great Nerazzurri: “The last goal for Argentina against England in a World Cup was scored by an Inter player, Javier Zanetti. And he wore the blue shirt and number 22 like me. Destiny has given me a beautiful story,” emphasized the Inter captain.

On managing playing time with the national team, the Toro admitted: “I’m not happy when I don’t play, if I don’t get on the field I get angry even at my club, where I always play anyway. It’s my competitive spirit that comes out. Here we are all strong, but the coach has to choose eleven. I went through a very difficult period, but in those moments you have to keep your head down, work, run, be humble and sacrifice yourself for the team.”

Analyzing the match against the English, Lautaro explained: “Argentina won a very tough match. The first half was complicated because England pressed us well. In the second half it got worse because they took the lead and closed up in defense, convinced they could control the situation. However, we managed to handle the game more calmly, keeping possession and creating many chances.”

The turning point came with Enzo Fernandez’s equalizer: “Thanks to our drive and the support of the people, everything became easier. In the end, we managed to score the second goal in stoppage time and from there it was pure happiness. And it’s all thanks to this group that, in the face of adversity, keeps going and never gives up. We have Leo Messi, the best in the world, as an example.”

Looking ahead to the final, the Inter captain commented: “An opponent of the highest level, a team that hasn’t lost in 37 matches and has extraordinary players. There will be many difficulties, but it’s not time to think about it yet. Now is the time to rest, to recover energy. After a victory like this, it’s right to enjoy the satisfaction, because what we are achieving is special.”

👉🏻 CONTINUE READING