An Inter legend conquering the world - how Martinez's dream came true "Have you got your bags packed already?" Whenever they met, Lionel Messi would joke with Lautaro Martinez, asking if his Argentina team-mate would be joining him at Barcelona. It was early 2020, and Barca were on the lookout for a replacement for Luis Suarez, with Martinez having become their top target for the following season. Messi was an integral part of the whole operation to lure the Inter Milan forward to the Camp Nou. At some point, it looked like the deal was pretty much done - but then came the Covid-19 pandemic and suddenly it fell through. Martinez did not move from San Siro and, five years on, has made Inter his team - hitting at least 20 goals in each of the past four seasons and breaking one record after another. He is now the Nerazzurri's all-time leading scorer in the Champions League with 18 goals, becoming the first player to score in five consecutive matches for the team in the tournament and is currently only one goal away from equalling Hernan Crespo (nine goals in 2002-03) as the club's top-scorer in a single edition of the competition. That all has been enough to cement Lautaro's place among Inter's legends, but the 27-year-old is aiming for more as he heads to the Camp Nou on Wednesday to face Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals. Not only does he want to win the only major trophy that he still lacks, but also prove that he deserves more recognition than he has received so far in his career. "Sometimes, I do feel underrated, yes," he admitted to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera after finishing in seventh position in the 2024 Ballon d'Or award. He is not alone in thinking that. Those who have known Martinez since his first steps in Argentine football with Liniers and Racing share the same thoughts. "If Lautaro did the same thing for Manchester United or Tottenham, he would be talked about more, after all, it's the Premier League," former Racing scout Diego Huerta told BBC Sport. "So I don't think it's because of Lautaro â it's because he plays for Inter. "They already reached the Champions League final [against Manchester City] in 2023, with him as one of their standout players, and yet he doesn't get the same spotlight that others do. What he did, for example, at last year's Copa América [being top-scorer] was incredible." What's missing then? His strike partner, Marcus Thuram, has suggested that Martinez should "smile a bit more". If that's the issue, leading Inter to the title would certainly help with that. Lautaro Martinez has won the Copa America twice and the World Cup once with Argentina Martinez comes from the southern town of Bahia Blanca, a place particularly known for its love for basketball. Like his younger brother Jano, the Argentina international himself could have had a career in that sport, but decided instead to follow his father Mario and his older brother Alan and stick with football. Ever since making that choice, he has adopted the mantra that says if you want to be different on the pitch, you have to be different off it. He has always taken it very seriously. A centre-back turned forward, he was only 15 when he made his senior debut with Liniers, scoring in his very first game. But that was not the most impressive thing about it. What surprised his team-mates was the level of discipline he already presented at that age. "In Bahia, there was a TV channel that broadcast our matches, so I used to go there to ask for the videotapes. I had to buy them because they weren't going to give them to me for free," he revealed. "It was my dream to become a professional footballer. Now it's different, of course, I get everything edited and sent to me. Some people are surprised by the way I am or the way I think. But for me, it feels completely natural." It's no wonder that when Racing spotted him a while later, they took him right away - no trial needed. "He's one of the most incredible professionals I've ever seen," said Huerta, now a technical secretary at Cerro Porteno in Paraguay. "He was the complete package â a very strong mentality, very serious, very committed to work, from the so-called 'invisible trainings' to taking care of himself â he doesn't smoke, doesn't drink alcohol, doesn't drink Coca-Cola. "Our psychologist Cecilia Contarino used to run tests to measure players' concentration. The scores ranged from nought to 100. She'd tell me that 60 to 70 was already acceptable for a high-performance athlete. Some players got 30 or 40 though. And this kid? He broke the record. He scored 98." This video can not be played Jose Mourinho v Pep Guardiola: How Jose became 'The Dark Lord' Having arrived from Liniers earlier that year, Martinez watched the 2014 World Cup from Casa Tita Mattiussi, Racing's famous club dormitory. In the second edition of a book series called Pelota de Papel â featuring stories written by players and coaches such as Pablo Aimar, Juan Pablo Sorin, Javier Saviola and Jorge Sampaoli â he reflected on that experience. Martinez couldn't know at the time, but four years from then he would make his international debut. He has won a World Cup and two Copa America titles with his country. "In my room at Racing's dormitory â one of my favourite places in the world â I used to sit and think about what it would be like to make it to the first team. But I had this idea stuck in my head that I'd never be like those idols I admired. Diego Milito, Roger Martinez, Gustavo Bou, and 'Licha' Lopez â those are real players," he wrote. "Every time I thought about playing, the first thing that came to mind was that I'd never earn a spot on the team, and that I'd have to go back to my hometown before long. I always dreamed of being like them. "Today, in one of those same rooms in that beautiful dormitory, there's probably a kid who thinks he doesn't belong in the team. That's exactly the moment when you have to work even harder, train more, sleep well, eat better, and above all keep dreaming. Because this isn't just a story: your dream can come true." Martinez's did. He broke into Racing's first team replacing his idol Milito in 2015, left the club as the most expensive transfer ever at $31m (£23m) in 2018 and has since become the first foreigner to score 150 goals for Inter. He may still feel underrated, but that can be about to change. "Are there really that many forwards in the world better than Lautaro â someone who can be a goalscorer and a leader, decisive on the pitch and a true team player off it?" asked La Gazzetta dello Sport after Inter knocked Bayern Munich out of the Champions League. The answer will be found soon. Jose Mourinho
An Inter legend conquering the world - how Martinez's dream came true
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Lautaro Martinez: From Underrated Talent to Inter Milan Legend"
Bbc News
7.8
TruthLens AI Summary
Lautaro Martinez, the 27-year-old forward for Inter Milan, has achieved remarkable success in his career, solidifying his status as a club legend. Initially, in early 2020, there were discussions about his transfer to Barcelona, heavily supported by Lionel Messi. However, the COVID-19 pandemic halted the move, allowing Martinez to remain with Inter, where he has since flourished. Over the past four seasons, he has consistently scored at least 20 goals each year, breaking multiple records along the way. Currently, he holds the title of Inter's all-time leading scorer in the Champions League, with 18 goals, and is close to surpassing Hernan Crespo's record for the most goals in a single Champions League edition. Martinez is now preparing to face Barcelona in the semi-finals, not only to clinch the final significant trophy missing from his collection but also to garner the recognition he believes he deserves in the football world.
Despite his achievements, Martinez feels somewhat underrated, a sentiment echoed by many who have followed his journey from his early days in Argentina to his current success in Europe. Former Racing scout Diego Huerta noted that if Martinez played for a Premier League team, he would likely receive more attention. His strike partner, Marcus Thuram, humorously suggested that a more visible smile could enhance his public perception. Martinez's disciplined approach to football began at a young age, where he demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and mental focus that impressed coaches and scouts alike. He has transcended his humble beginnings in Bahia Blanca, where he initially considered a career in basketball, to become a key figure in Inter's success and a celebrated player on the international stage, contributing to Argentina's Copa America and World Cup victories. As he continues to break records and strive for greatness, the football world may soon recognize Martinez not just as a talented player, but as one of the elite forwards of his generation.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article focuses on Lautaro Martinez's rise to prominence within the world of football, particularly highlighting his journey with Inter Milan and his performance on the international stage. It offers insights into his achievements, ambitions, and the perceptions surrounding his career, especially in relation to his status compared to other players.
Purpose of the Article
The primary aim of this report seems to be to celebrate Lautaro Martinez's accomplishments while also shedding light on the perceived lack of recognition he receives in comparison to other players in the sport. By illustrating his records and accomplishments, the article seeks to elevate his profile among fans and encourage a broader appreciation of his contributions to Inter Milan and Argentine football.
Public Perception and Sentiment
The narrative constructed around Martinez suggests a feeling of underappreciation. By quoting Martinez's own reflections on feeling underrated, the article resonates with fans and analysts who may share similar sentiments. This approach not only humanizes the player but also invites readers to consider the disparities in media attention and recognition based on the player's club affiliation.
Hidden Agendas or Bias?
While the article primarily focuses on Martinez, it does hint at a broader critique of how players in leagues like the Premier League receive more media spotlight than those in Serie A. This could be perceived as a subtle commentary on football media's biases, potentially diverting attention from other narratives within the sport.
Manipulative Elements
The article employs emotional language and personal anecdotes to create a connection between the reader and Martinez. This emotional appeal may serve to manipulate public sentiment towards a more favorable view of him, suggesting that he deserves more attention than he currently receives. The use of statistics and records adds credibility, but it also frames Martinez's narrative in a way that could be seen as advocating for greater recognition.
Comparison with Other Articles
When compared to similar articles focusing on football players, there is a common theme of highlighting individual achievements against a backdrop of perceived lack of appreciation. However, this article stands out by including direct quotes from Martinez, providing a personal touch that enhances its relatability.
Impact on Society and Economy
As a high-profile athlete, Martinez's story can influence young athletes and fans alike, inspiring them to strive for greatness despite obstacles. The focus on his achievements may also encourage investment in clubs like Inter Milan, impacting merchandise sales and viewership, which in turn can affect the broader economy related to sports.
Target Audience
This article likely appeals to football fans, particularly those who follow Serie A or have an interest in international football. It may also resonate with those who appreciate narratives of perseverance and underdog success stories.
Market Implications
For investors and analysts, the attention on players like Martinez can influence stock prices of clubs, particularly if their performance impacts league standings and subsequent revenue from sponsorships and broadcasting rights. Clubs with rising stars often see a boost in market value, making this narrative relevant for stakeholders.
Geopolitical Context
While the article itself does not delve into geopolitical implications, it does reflect the cultural significance of football in Argentina and Italy. Given the global following of players like Martinez, their successes can impact national pride and international relations indirectly.
Use of AI in Article Composition
The writing style suggests a structured approach that could be aided by AI tools, particularly in generating coherent narratives and statistical analyses. However, the personal quotes and emotional undertones indicate human involvement in crafting the article’s tone and perspective.
In conclusion, the article presents a compelling narrative of Lautaro Martinez, weaving in themes of recognition, success, and the societal context of football. Its reliability stems from the use of factual achievements but is colored by subjective interpretations of his status in the football world.