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In early 2020, Lionel Messi often teased Lautaro Martinez about his potential move to Barcelona, asking him, “Have you got your bags packed already?” At that time, the Catalan club was actively seeking a successor for Luis Suarez, with Martinez emerging as their top target for the upcoming season. Messi played a crucial role in efforts to bring the forward from Inter Milan to the Camp Nou.
As negotiations progressed, it seemed a transfer was imminent. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted everything, causing the deal to collapse. Consequently, Martinez remained at Inter, where he has since established himself as an indispensable player. Over the past four seasons, he has scored at least 20 goals each year, continually breaking records along the way.
Currently, Martinez holds the title of Inter’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League with 18 goals. He set a remarkable record as the first player to score in five consecutive matches for the club in this prestigious tournament. Moreover, he is just one goal shy of matching Hernan Crespo’s mark of nine goals in a single Champions League season.
At 27 years old, Martinez’s accomplishments have solidified his status as one of Inter’s greats. Yet, he is not resting on his laurels. This Wednesday, he will face Barcelona again in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, driven by his desire to capture the only major title that still eludes him. He also hopes to gain the recognition he believes he deserves.
“Sometimes, I do feel underrated, yes,” he confessed to the Italian publication Corriere della Sera, reflecting on his seventh-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings. This sentiment isn’t unique to him; those familiar with Martinez’s journey from Argentine football, specifically at Liniers and Racing, share similar views.
Diego Huerta, a former scout for Racing, pointed out, “If Lautaro played for Manchester United or Tottenham, he would garner much more attention—after all, it’s the Premier League.” He emphasized that the lack of spotlight on Martinez is not a reflection of the player’s abilities but rather a consequence of his association with Inter.
Huerta noted that despite Martinez’s crucial contributions to Inter’s run to the Champions League final against Manchester City in 2023, he still does not receive the same level of acclaim as other stars. “What he achieved at last year’s Copa América, finishing as the top scorer, was incredible,” he added.
What might be needed for broader recognition? Martinez’s strike partner, Marcus Thuram, has suggested that perhaps a more frequent smile might work wonders. Leading Inter to championship glory could certainly bring a smile to his face as well as the accolades he seeks.
Source
www.bbc.com