Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez addressed the press ahead of Argentina’s heavyweight clash against Uruguay.

Speaking to the local press via FCInterNews, El Toro hailed the country’s effort to help his hometown, Bahia Blanca.

Hit by a devastating flood, Bahia Blanca suffered multiple casualties in a natural disaster recently.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s national team participated in a charity match to support the victims.

Therefore, Lautaro Martinez praised Claudio Tapia, the president of the Football Association, for helping his hometown.

El Toro will be among Lionel Scaloni’s standout stars in upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil.

Indeed, the 27-year-old has regained form after a slow start to the ongoing qualifying campaign.

He scored a winner in Argentina’s narrow 1-0 home triumph against Peru last time out, steering La Celeste five points clear of Uruguay.

Inter Milan Captain Lautaro Martinez Thanks Argentina for Helping His Hometown

“I want to thank the country for its support,” Lautaro Martinez said.

“It’s hard for me to talk because my family, my friends, and so many people I love are there, and that’s where I grew up…

Lautaro Martinez Inter Milan
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s third goal to complete his hat-trick during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between FC Internazionale Milano and AS Monaco at Stadio San Siro on January 29, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It’s a difficult time.

“Even last year, we had to deal with a major storm that left the city in bad shape.

“Now, recovering in such a short time only to face something even worse is really tough.

“So, the first thing I want to say is thank you.

“Thank you for the support and help from everyone who has assisted the people who lost their homes, cars, clothes…

“It has been a terrible moment, but we have had the support of the entire nation and Argentine clubs since the very first moment it happened.

“El Chiqui Tapia, the president, immediately reached out to us, to my family.

“I am really grateful because he stood by my brothers and all the people who lost everything.

“This match will have symbolic ticket prices.

“But what truly matters is that it happens because we are all united in trying to help those who are suffering right now.

“Thank you.”