Lautaro: The World Cup Was the Perfect Summary of Everything Argentina Built in Recent Years

Argentina international and Inter captain Lautaro Martínez gave an in-depth interview in his homeland while sidelined through injury—a setback that will keep him out of action at least until the end of the November international break. The striker spoke openly about his family and the World Cup.

"I always say that I was born in the dressing room because my father was a footballer. When my brother and I were just three or four years old, we were already watching training sessions, tactical breakdowns, and team talks. My father was the captain of every team he played for, and he passed that passion for football on to us. Everything I learned and experienced firsthand from an early age helped me develop a strong sense of responsibility toward the sport, discipline, and hard work. That is exactly what I try to pass on to my children today," Martínez explained.

"My mother was always the one who looked after us. She worked as a cleaner and also cared for an elderly woman. During a period of severe financial hardship, my father worked in a care home while continuing to play football. In the end, we only saw him in the evenings at dinner time. My older brother and I went through the toughest chapter for our family. We had food on the table, but we couldn't afford any small luxuries. We lived in a house lent to us by friends. I remember it clearly because it was a time of real struggle. Yet it is precisely in moments like those that you learn the true value of things, of life in general, and above all, core human values: being humble, responsible, always ready to work, and constantly striving for self-improvement," the 29-year-old Argentine continued. "Today, I am happy and proud to have fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a professional footballer. I'm glad I can support my family, even though my parents still work—each in their own field. In our family, everyone has always had a strong work ethic," Lautaro added.

He also reflected on the 2021 Copa América triumph: "That period was exceptionally difficult for me on a personal level. My daughter was born in February. When we went into camp, she was two and a half months old, and by the time I returned, she was almost five months old. Missing that time was tough, especially with my first child, right as I became a father. But we all made sacrifices, and to emerge from them by lifting a trophy after such a long drought for Argentina brought so much joy and happiness. We were all immensely proud of what we achieved. It was extremely challenging because, while the world had stopped, we kept playing. We took on that responsibility, and it laid the foundation for everything that followed. We built something special—a group where everyone supported one another both on and off the pitch. There was real unity, a great atmosphere, and incredible energy across the squad. For me, that is fundamental to achieving results," Martínez commented.

Looking back at the World Cup campaign, the forward stated: "It was an incredibly intense World Cup, truly intense. Every match was fought right to the final whistle. The fans connected with us deeply—with this team and the journey we were on. I think that World Cup was the perfect summary of everything we built over recent years. A team whose players back each other up on and off the pitch, where nothing is ever truly lost. A squad that identifies with these values, with its people, and with the desire to always strive for more. Led by Lionel Messi, who taught us never to give up and to constantly push for greater heights. The tournament he had proved once again that every time he wears that shirt, he always wants more."

"Even though the outcome wasn't what we wanted in the end, everything we experienced was incredible. Many of us arrived in difficult shape. I had a calf injury that had kept me out for two months, playing for my club right up until the very last match. As I said, we backed one another and gave maximum energy to whoever was on the pitch to ensure they could perform. I think the game against England took a massive amount of energy out of us. Truly massive. We gave everything we had—and even more. We left everything on the pitch," Lautaro said, before adding:

"Right until the final whistle, we had a chance to win. That is why hearing certain theories is frustrating. It hurts precisely because it was obvious that we gave everything we had. And that is what gives us peace of mind. The opponent was better on the day, and we walked off the pitch completely spent. That can happen at any time. We had barely lost in recent years. I remember that back in Qatar, our manager told us that sooner or later, a defeat would come. It ultimately happened in a final, which hurts twice as much and leaves a deep wound. But the most important thing is to pick ourselves up and regain our competitive drive, just as we have done all these years. I believe we are ready and eager to keep competing at the highest level and take Argentina as far as possible."