Former Argentina defender Daniel Passarella believes that underfire Inter striker Lautaro Martinez has made an impact on the Albiceleste’s run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
Martinez has lost his place in the team after a series of underwhelming displays in the group stage, with replacement Julian Alvarez impressing in his place and netting four goals, as Lionel Scaloni’s side prepare to face reigning champions France today.
In an interview published in today’s newspaper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Passarella claimed that the low level of impact from Martinez, and other Serie A-based Argentines, including Roma’s Paulo Dybala and Juventus pair Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes were just signs of a strong squad.
“This is the confirmation that Argentina has an excellent squad, with an excellent goalkeeper like Emiliano Martinez, great midfielders like Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and a great striker like Alvarez, apart from Messi, who has already scored four goals,” the two-time World Cup winner argued.
“However, the World Cup is not over yet and therefore even those who will start on the bench in the final could be decisive. For example, Lautaro converted the last penalty against the Netherlands, so it will also be thanks to him if we win.”
Former Inter and Fiorentina centre-back Passarella insisted that he expected Argentina to reach the final in Qatar, and spoke of his own experiences of lifting the trophy in 1978 and 1986.
“Of course, because Argentina always play to win, not just at the World Cup. Don’t forget that we are champions of South America and due to our history, we are never satisfied with participating. Argentina must always emerge as champions,” the 69-year-old continued.
“Scaloni is more similar to Carlos Menotti, because like him he believes in attacking football, with real team play. In fact Argentina in 1978 was also considered more complete than that of 1986, even if the joy is always the same when you win.”
With Italy not participating after failing to qualify, Passarella admitted that he was saddened to see a World Cup without the Azzurri.
“I’ve missed them a lot, because Italy is my second home, where I still have many friends like Antognoni and Galli.
“A World Cup without Italy is like a match without an audience. Therefore, to make up for it, I hope Italy to reach the final in 2026. Naturally against the reigning world champions Argentina,” he concluded.
