Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti was delighted to see Nerazzurri striker Lautaro Martinez make an impact during Argentina’s 4-3 penalty shootout win over the Netherlands at the World Cup.

The forward came off the bench to score the winning penalty in the shootout to settle a fiery game, after the Netherlands had struck twice late on to snatch a 2-2 draw in the 90 minutes.

Appearing on Argentinian television channel ESPN, and as reported by FCInterNews.it, former Inter captain Zanetti offered his thoughts on Martinez, after the striker had endured a difficult World Cup campaign without a goal.

“I’m happy for Lauti, because he hadn’t scored in a long time and he had the opportunity to score the decisive penalty,” Zanetti declared.

“That was very important for him, he will surely come good when Argentina need him the most.”

Martinez began the tournament in Qatar as first choice striker for Argentina, but lost his place in the team to Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez.

The former Racing Club striker has made 45 appearances for the Albiceleste, scoring 21 goals, but has not found the net for his country in the World Cup yet, after having a goal disallowed for offside in the opening round defeat to Saudi Arabia.