Inter striker Lautaro Martinez is extremely pleased with Argentina’s triumph at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar even if he didn’t quite perform as he’d have hoped to do.
Speaking to Argentine news outlet TyC Sports, via FCInterNews, the 25-year-old Nerazzurri striker admitted that things didn’t go according to plan for him personally but nevertheless expressed great pride in the accomplishment.
Martinez went into the World Cup in Qatar expected to play a key role in attack for his country as he so often does for his club.
The 25-year-old has led the line and been a reliable source of goals for the Albiceleste throughout qualification for the tournament, and at their triumph at the Copa America last summer.
That’s not quite how it worked out, as after two disappointing matches against Saudi Arabia and Mexico he dropped to the bench, and finished the tournament without a goal or an assist to his credit.
Nevertheless, Martinez more than played his role, including by scoring the penalty that sent the Albiceleste through to the semifinals in a memorable shootout win over the Netherlands, and he feels elated at being a world champion.
“It’s incredible,” he said, “we’ve written the history of this country.”
“Personally I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t have the World Cup I wanted to, but I’m happy because this team has shown that anyone who comes on from the bench always gives the answers that are needed,” he added.
“It’s crazy, I’m very happy and grateful to my teammates, to my family.”
