After bad Cup, Lautaro Martínez reveals “unbearable” pain and that he played with infiltrations

Argentina was crowned champion in the Qatar World Cup 2022, beating France in the final. However, Lautaro Martínez’s performance differed from the rest of his teammates and drew attention for the missed goals. In an interview with ESPN Argentina, this Friday, the striker revealed that he felt “unbearable” pain and played with infiltrations.

“I felt bad for not being able to give my teammates what I had been playing. I already arrived (to the World Cup) with a problem, which I tried first to solve with injections, but I couldn’t even kick it, as it was an unbearable pain”, said Lautaro.

In Lionel Scaloni’s team, Lautaro Martínez was an absolute starter in the preparatory cycle for the World Cup, alongside Lionel Messi in attack. In fact, the center forward started playing in the first two rounds of the World Cup. But the bad performances and missed goals meant that Lautaro lost his starting position to Julián Álvarez.

“I don’t know when I got injured, I had an ankle problem that didn’t allow me to play comfortably. I’m glad Julián came in and gave the team what I couldn’t give”, declared the striker. Inter Milan.

“We looked for ways to treat the pain, but it was so uncomfortable that it made many movements difficult. The times I entered the field, I tried to do my best. If I didn’t manage to score goals, the important thing was to guarantee that Argentina won and I achieved the objective”, added.

Lautaro Martínez also commented on Lionel Messi’s role in the locker room and how the captain helped him overcome pain and bad form.

“Messi said to recover well, that he needed me well and stressed the importance for the team. So I told him that he didn’t have to think about me, only the group. I was in a lot of pain, I talked to him a lot and I gave support”, added Lautaro.