Lautaro: I Cannot Comment on Little Spider's Situation; I Will Treasure Everything Messi Taught Me

At 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on September 9, Inter Milan will face Real Madrid away in the opening round of the Champions League league phase. Before the match, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez attended a press conference.

Hello Lautaro, welcome to Madrid. You have arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu, a stadium that holds very beautiful memories for your club, Inter, especially the great final in 2010. The protagonist of that match was an Argentine, Diego Milito, who even came from the same club as you, Racing Club of Argentina. I want to ask whether this history will become spiritual motivation for you to show yourself and deliver a great performance against Real Madrid tomorrow.

I know this history and I know the great achievement he accomplished for Inter at the Bernabeu. But today my mind is completely focused on doing my own job in the best possible way. My goal is to fight for the most positive result for the team and the group, and help the team play the best possible match here.

Good evening, Lautaro. Tomorrow's match will be played in a legendary stadium. It is a super clash between Real Madrid and Inter. Many people are discussing that this is not only a battle between two teams, but also a duel between Mbappe and Lautaro. Mbappe previously said 'Lautaro is a great player, I hope he does not prove it tomorrow.' Do you think Mbappe is the best striker in the world today?

Yes, I heard his comments about me. We are facing a top team with many champion players and extremely high-level footballers, but we also have our own weapons and important players who prove every year that they are at the highest level. As a team, we continue to grow, so the most important thing is to play as perfect a match as possible.

We know who we are facing. Although we had very little time available to prepare, we have prepared for this match in the best way. We have also recovered well, so we are fully ready. Without a doubt, Mbappe is one of the very best strikers in the world.

Lautaro, how do you view the role of the modern striker in today's football, where forwards like Mbappe, Raphinha and Dembele not only score goals but also actively press and contribute defensively? Is defensive sacrifice, high pressing and tactical responsibilities now essential qualities for a top striker, or does it depend on each team's demands, each coach's requirements and each player's characteristics?

Obviously, the way our team presses and our overall style of play means we must press high collectively and require our forwards to actively participate in defensive phases. This is exactly what the coach asks of me and needs me to do.

Good evening, Lautaro. You have played in two Champions League finals in the past three years, while last season you were eliminated earlier than expected. What are your expectations for this new Champions League format, and how strong is your desire to prove yourselves again and perform well?

Yes, it is true that we were eliminated relatively early last season. But ultimately, every year is crucial for our growth. We must learn from mistakes while reviewing and summarizing what we have done well, constantly improving and making progress. Like every year, I hope to give everything I have and take Inter as high as possible. This is our ultimate goal in all the competitions ahead.

Good evening, Lautaro. One criticism surrounding Inter has been that the team cannot win direct clashes against strong opponents, and that you had gone a long time without scoring in such matches. But you scored twice against Napoli last week. Do you feel you have completely answered and silenced these doubts?

No, it is not like that. The most important thing is always that Inter wins. Of course, we hear rumors and comments from people, but in reality I have scored many important goals for the team. I focus on my contribution and on collective cooperation. This is the belief I always hold: Inter comes first, and the team and the group must always be above the individual. Last Saturday was a very important match for us, as we defeated a strong opponent like Napoli in a high-intensity game, but the season is long and there are many more matches ahead.

According to Mourinho's standards for measuring the Champions League, is this competition currently an obsession or a dream for you? Between those two, what is it for you?

No, it is definitely a goal, a goal. As I have always said, dreams are something everyone has. But it is not an obsession, because we must remain calm and composed. We know this competition is prestigious and extremely important, with many valuable and strong teams. But it is certainly a goal because, as I have repeatedly emphasized since joining this great club, we must always maintain the right mentality and have the strong desire to win trophies for Inter. That is what we try to prove when we step onto the pitch.

You scored two goals in the last Serie A match and are in high spirits. Real Madrid have strengthened their defense and shown defensive solidity in the opening rounds of the new season. You will also face your former teammate Dumfries. Do you think breaking through Real Madrid's defense will be a difficult challenge?

Yes, as I said in Italian, Real Madrid are a very important team with great value and high-level players. They have signed defenders with strong technical ability. But as I said before, we have our own weapons, and we will try to produce our best performance.

I want to ask you about your national team teammate Julian Alvarez. You played alongside him during the World Cup, and many things happened, especially after he publicly expressed his desire to leave. The transfer window has now passed and he stayed, but his situation seems somewhat unusual. As his friend and teammate, how do you view his situation from an outside perspective?

I have already sent him a message to express my support because we play together for the national team. We are not only teammates but also very good friends. The period he is going through is obviously not easy, but that is a decision made by his club president and the club, and I cannot comment on it. I can only wish him all the best, hope he adjusts quickly and continues to show everyone what kind of player he is. He is a great player and one of the best forwards in the world.

I want to temporarily move away from the Champions League topic and ask about Messi announcing his retirement from the national team. What does this news mean to you, and how did you accept or deal with it?

Everyone was certainly shocked by the news. We all know how strong he is and what he means to world football and our national team. I also posted a message on social media to express my feelings and gratitude toward him. Everything he taught us, how he guided us to victory in the most difficult moments, and how he taught us the spirit of never giving up are things I deeply cherish and will always keep in my heart. Beyond that, in daily life we have shared conversations and experiences that are deeply important to our careers and lives. Those are the things I will always treasure inside me.