Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez is happy to have made up for his poor World Cup with Argentina at the Copa America this summer.
Speaking on the Argentine national team’s official social media account, via FCInterNews, Martinez reacted to Argentina’s triumph in the Copa final against Colombia, in which he scored the winning goal.
This summer has been a positive one for Martinez.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed an excellent Copa America with the Argentine national team, helping them to win the tournament.
Martinez finished the Copa as the tournament’s top scorer, with five goals from six matches played in total.
The Inter captain did not start regularly for the Albiceleste throughout the tournament.
Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, who had overtaken Martinez in the starting spot at the World Cup in Qatar, was still the starter in most of Argentina’s matches.
However, that certainly did not prevent Martinez from having an impact off the bench.
The 26-year-old scored decisive goals for Argentine throughout the tournament. Including in yesterday evening’s 1-0 win over Colombia in the final.
This makes it three trophies in a row that Martinez has won with Argentina at international tournaments.
Of course, each trophy that Martinez has won with Argentina has been special. Just as those that he has won with Inter – especially as captain – are.
But there is no escaping that the World Cup was a disappointment for Martinez personally.;
The Inter striker had gone into that tournament as the first-choice starter in attack for Argentina.
However, Martinez failed to score or assist a goal. He was dropped for Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, although he did make appearances off the bench.
This summer, though, Martinez played the kind of role for the Albiceleste that he always has for Inter.
The 26-year-old was not just Argentina’s top scorer, but the entire competition’s.
Moreover, Martinez’s goals were decisive. None moreso than his winner in extra time against Colombia.
“I’m happy for the goal and for the trophy,” said Martinez.
“We put a lot into this. But we’re bringing the Copa back to Argentina, which is what we all wanted.”
Martinez admitted that “At the end of the tournament I was happy, but I also knew I owed the team more on a personal level.”
“I prepared for this Copa to be at my best,” he added.
“And to get redemption for the World Cup.”
“When it ended in Qatar I was very happy, but I knew I was indebted on a personal level. I prepared myself in the best way to face this Cup and get this thorn off my chest”, adds the attacker.
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