Inter Vice-President Javier Zanetti feels that striker Lautaro Martinez more than made his contribution for Argentina at the World Cup despite the perception that he had had a disappointing tournament.
Speaking to Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published in today’s print edition, via FCInterNews, the Vice-President gave his thoughts on the striker’s World Cup campaign.
Martinez finished the World Cup in Qatar without a goal or assist to his name, despite the fact that Argentina lifted the trophy.
The 25-year-old has been a vital player for the Albiceleste in the past, and had been expected to maintain a key role in any success they might enjoy in Qatar.
Accordingly, the fact that Martinez had a tough individual tournament whilst Argentina enjoyed such success comes as something of a surprise to many.
For his part, however, Zanetti feels that the Inter striker’s contribution should not be underestimated.
“He had some troubles with an injury [to his ankle],” Zanetti said of Martinez, “but in the end he always managed to make his contribution.”
“He scored the decisive penalty in a shootout against the Netherlands, and he returns to Inter as a world champion.”