What makes Lionel Messi unique on the pitch? Lautaro Martinez reveals

Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez has provided insights into his relationship with football icon Lionel Messi, shedding light on what sets the Inter Miami star apart on the pitch, reported by GOAL. Martinez, who plays alongside Messi for the Argentine national team, lauded his compatriot’s unparalleled work ethic and competitive spirit, offering a glimpse into the bond they share both on and off the field.

During an appearance on the Italian TV program Che Tempo Che Fa, Martinez spoke glowingly of Messi’s dedication and drive during training sessions. He described Messi as a “competition animal” who possesses an extraordinary ability to elevate his game and push the boundaries of excellence. Martinez emphasized that Messi’s commitment to winning is unrivaled, highlighting his relentless pursuit of success as a defining characteristic of his greatness.

“I am Messi’s friend and teammate. We are talking about an important player who has made history in football. It feels like he’s playing a different sport in training sessions. He does things that I’ve never seen before. He is a competition animal, and he never wants to lose.” Martinez said.

Martinez’s admiration for Messi extends beyond his on-field skills, with the Inter Milan striker expressing gratitude for the opportunity to call Messi a friend and teammate. Reflecting on Messi’s impact on the sport, Martinez emphasized the awe-inspiring nature of Messi’s performances, noting that he often seems to operate on a different level from his peers. Martinez’s praise for Messi underscores the profound influence that the Barcelona star has had on the game of football and the admiration he commands from fellow professionals.

Martinez’s future at Inter Milan

Despite speculation surrounding Martinez’s future at Inter Milan, the 26-year-old forward expressed a desire to continue plying his trade in Milan. Martinez, whose contract with Inter runs until 2026, hinted at the possibility of signing a new deal with the club following their Scudetto triumph in the 2023-24 season. Describing his bond with Inter as special, Martinez expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the club and its fans, signaling his intention to remain a part of the team’s success story.

Lautaro added: “They say I am a Bandiera, and everyone has treated me in a special way since I arrived. I am grateful. You never know what can happen in football, but surely I am happy in Milan and I want to extend. We suffered two years ago when Milan won the title, so that [April 22] was a special day for us. We’ve had an extraordinary journey. There are players with strong values. It’s not easy to reach a [Champions League] final, but we played great games and we got there [last season].”

Lautaro Martinez’s immediate focus remains on Inter Milan’s upcoming Serie A fixtures, as they look to build on their title-winning campaign. With matches against Frosinone, Lazio, and Verona on the horizon, Martinez will aim to continue contributing to the team’s success on the pitch. As he looks ahead to the future, Martinez’s commitment to Inter Milan and his admiration for Lionel Messi serve as testaments to the enduring impact of football’s greatest talents on the sport and its players.

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