Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez feels that he’s “living his dream” after making the FIFA Ballon D’Or shortlist.
The 26-year-old spoke to Argentine broadcaster ESPN, via FCInterNews, at the Ballon D’Or ceremony.
Inter captain Martinez has certainly enjoyed a special twelve months.
At club level, the Argentine helped Inter reach the Champions League final last season.
It was yet another campaign which saw plenty of growth from the Argentine – something that has arguably been the case in each year that he has spent with Inter.
Martinez finished last season as Inter’s top scorer. That is the second campaign in a row in which that had been the case.
And the Argentine inherited the captain’s armband from Samir Handanovic during the summer.
This was a reflection of Martinez’s loyalty and leadership as much as of his quality on the pitch.
Lautaro Martinez Beaming After Making Ballon D’Or Shortlist
At international level, it was also a year of triumph for Martinez.
The Nerazzurri captain helped Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar last winter.
It was not necessarily the best of tournaments for Martinez on an individual level.
The Inter striker had gone into Qatar as the main starter in attack for the Albiceleste. However, he lost his starting place to Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez after the first couple group stage matches.
But that doesn’t mean that Martinez didn’t still have his say.
The Inter man still contributed off the bench throughout Argentina’s triumph. This included scoring the decisive penalty in a quarterfinal shootout against the Netherlands.
That, combined with reaching European club football’s biggest match with Inter, has seen Martinez earn a spot among football’s absolute elite.
Martinez gave his thoughts on his placement on the shortlist during the ceremony.
He remarked that “Between this and the World Cup, I’m living my dream.”
