Scaloni acknowledges Lautaro Martinez’s discontent, while Inter conveys message to Argentine star

Lionel Scaloni praised Lautaro Martinez's dedication after the forward's decisive goal in the Copa America Final against Colombia, despite starting from the bench.

Chirag

July 15, 2024

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed satisfaction with Lautaro Martinez’s commitment after the forward came off the bench to score a decisive goal in the Copa America Final against Colombia. Meanwhile, Inter praised their captain for his match-winning goal, stating, “No one deserves it more.”

Martinez’s goal during extra time secured Argentina’s second consecutive Copa America title at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday night. Initially starting from the bench, the Inter captain entered the game in the second half alongside Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes, who assisted Martinez’s goal.

Scaloni commented on Martinez’s performance, noting, “Lautaro never stopped working, and he deserved to score because he suffered after being excluded from the starting XI despite being the [tournament’s] leading score.” He added, as reported by FcInter1908, “He won’t be happy with me and he is surely right because he wants to play, but this is what he has to do. We may or may not make errors, but we thought the team had to play like this, and we won.”

Martinez capped off a remarkable season where he topped Serie A and Copa America scoring charts, won the Scudetto with Inter, and clinched the Copa America title with Argentina.