Lautaro Martinez Attributes Career Growth To Messi's Influence

Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez has attributed his career growth to Argentine icon Lionel Messi, saying he learnt a lot from his fellow countryman at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Martinez made this claim after leading Inter Milan to beat arch-rivals AC Milan 1-0 in the Champions League semi-final second-leg tie on Tuesday night.

He was named captain for the clash and scored the winner to help Inter qualify for the final on a 3-0 aggregate win.

"This season I have grown so much mentally,” Martinez said (h/t @AlbicelesteTalk on Twitter) after the game.

“I have teammates who help me grow, I learned a lot from Leo Messi, talking to him, he helped me in everything. 

"Carrying that World Cup in your arms is special, I learned a lot about leadership from him there.

"Being a captain is special, today’s evening will remain for a lifetime for me.”

❗️Lautaro Martínez: “This season I have grown so much mentally. I have teammates who help me grow, I learned a lot from Leo Messi, talking to him, he helped me in everything. Carrying that World Cup in your arms is special, I learned a lot about the leadership from him there.… pic.twitter.com/whG5SiJbQL

— All About Argentina ??? (@AlbicelesteTalk) May 16, 2023

Martinez is the first Argentine in history who has achieved the World Cup and Champions League final in the same season.