Eight Years Later – Inter Milan Captain Lautaro Martinez Hopes To Repeat Early Heroics Vs River Plate In Crunch Club World Cup Clash | OneFootball

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez will hope to repeat his heroics from eight years ago against River Plate at the Club World Cup.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, note the parallel for the Argentine striker.

In 2017, before joining Inter Milan, striker Lautaro Martinez made his name at Racing Club.

Martinez broke onto the scene early for Racing.

There were a number of matches in which Martinez really shone early in his career. But one of the most high profile came against River Plate.

Playing away to the Buenos Aires giants, Martinez showed no fear. He scored Racing’s opening goal in a memorable 3-2 win.

Lautaro Martinez Aims To Repeat River Plate Heroics At Club World Cup

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 17: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano warms up prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CF Monterrey and FC Internazionale Milano at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 17, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

That performance against River Plate came almost exactly eight years ago for Martinez – on the 18th of June, 2017.

Now, Lautaro Martinez finds himself in a much different situation.

Having been very much a breakout talent when he enjoyed that memorable win over River, now Martinez has fully established himself within the European game.

Martinez is Inter’s captain. He inherited the captain’s armband from Samir Handanovic two years ago.

And the Argentine has been Inter’s top scorer for four seasons running. He has started in two Champions League finals for the Nerazzurri, and won the Serie A title twice.

Therefore, Martinez has made good on the promise he showed the better part of a decade ago against River Plate.

Now, the 27-year-old will aim to prove that he can retain the same hunger against such iconic opposition from his home country at the Club World Cup.