Inter Milan's lethal striker and Argentina's World Cup hero — the most complete South American striker of his generation.
Lautaro Javier Martínez was born in Bahía Blanca, Argentina in 1997. Inter Milan paid £22 million for him in 2018. His Inter career has produced two Serie A titles and the 2023 Champions League Final. He won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 alongside Messi and two Copa Américas (2021, 2024). He won the Serie A Golden Boot (Capocannoniere) in 2024 with 24 goals. His combination of close control, aerial presence and clinical finishing from all positions — both feet, headers, instinctive redirections — makes him one of the most complete centre-forwards outside the elite Premier League clubs. His partnership with Messi for Argentina has produced some of the most celebrated individual combinations in recent international football. He became Inter's captain in 2024. His loyalty to Inter despite sustained transfer interest from Barcelona and other elite clubs reflects a professional commitment that has generated enormous appreciation from the club's supporters.
Key striker in Argentina's World Cup 2022 triumph
How They Played
Clinical finisher with excellent movement in the box and strong hold-up play
Lasting Impact
Martínez has established himself as Argentina's leading striker in the post-Messi era and played a crucial role in ending the country's major tournament drought.
Career Honours
- World Cup (2022)
- Copa América 2x (2021,2024)
- Serie A 2x
- Champions League finalist (2023)
- Finalissima 2022
- UEFA Nations League finalist 2023
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Racing Club | 2015–2018 | — | 49 | 56 | #10 |
| Inter Milan | 2018–2024 | €25m | 282 | 129 | — |
| Argentine | — | — | 72 | 32 | — |