Lautaro Martinez on love for Inter and Ballon d’Or dream | OneFootball

Lautaro Martinez reiterates his ‘sense of belonging’ to Inter after breaking another club record, picks his favourite goal and comments on Lionel Messi saying he deserves the Ballon d’Or.

The Nerazzurri emerged from the Stadio Olimpico with all three points after a classic counter-attack, sparked from a Roma corner, as Zeki Celik failed to cut out the Davide Frattesi cross and Lautaro Martinez pounced.

It was an even match where both teams forced big saves and also rattled the woodwork, but that moment proved pivotal.

This was his 133rd goal for Inter in all competition, equalling the club record set by Istvan Nyers in the 1950s as top foreign scorer.

“It means a lot, because as I always say, I felt like I was born here from the first moment I arrived. That sense of belonging is important to me,” Lautaro Martinez told DAZN.

“We were up against a very strong opponent today, especially with the difficulties we had losing two players in the opening minutes, but we showed the strength of the team.”

After 133 goals, which was his favourite that stands out above the others?

“It will always be the first that started all of this, the one against Cagliari at San Siro.”

Lautaro Martinez up for Ballon d’Or

ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on October 20, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Tomorrow evening is the ceremony for the Ballon d’Or in Paris and Lautaro Martinez is widely tipped to be in the top five, especially after his Argentina teammate Messi declared he should be the winner.

Did he discuss that with Messi during the break for international duty?

“We didn’t talk about this award, I was just pleased he was back with us in the Argentina squad. I always work hard to help the team, but individual awards mean a lot too, as they show you are working well. I focus on the team first, then if I get an individual award, it is also thanks to my teammates, the staff and the fans.

“We are a great team, everyone works in their own way to raise the bar.”

Lautaro Martinez had a very special dedication to make after his goal at the Stadio Olimpico.

“I want to send a message to my mother and to Agustina, because today is Mother’s Day in Argentina.”