Lautaro Martínez backs Julián Álvarez and reflects on Lionel Messi’s Argentina farewell: “This is not an easy moment”

Lautaro Martínez used the eve of Inter’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid to stand behind Julián Álvarez and speak about Lionel Messi’s planned departure from Argentina’s national team.

“

He is a friend, and the moment he is going through is not easy.

Martínez said he had sent Álvarez a message during the forward’s difficult spell at Atlético Madrid. “He is a friend, and the moment he is going through is not easy,” Martínez said. He added that he had shown Álvarez his full support.

The two forwards compete for the same position with Argentina, but Martínez stressed that their rivalry does not change their relationship. “Beyond the fact that we share a squad and a position and fight for a place in the national team, he is a friend,” he said. Martínez also described Álvarez as “a great player, one of the best in the world,” and said he hoped the situation would improve soon.

“

I spoke with him and showed him all my support.

Álvarez’s situation followed the collapse of a proposed move from Atlético Madrid to Barcelona. The Argentine had publicly expressed a strong desire to leave and missed several training sessions, but the transfer did not go through. Atlético’s leadership, headed by Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, opposed strengthening a direct LaLiga rival. The club also filed a formal complaint with FIFA alleging illegal contact between Barcelona and the player. Álvarez rejected proposals from the Premier League, including a formal offer from Arsenal.

“

Beyond the fact that we share a squad and a position and fight for a place in the national team, he is a friend.

Martínez also addressed Messi’s announcement that he will no longer play for Argentina after the 2026 World Cup. “We knew that news would come at some point, but when it arrives it is powerful because of everything it means for the world of football, for our national team and for our country,” he said. Martínez said he had posted a message thanking Messi, who had taught and guided the team through many difficult moments.

“

We knew that news would come at some point, but when it arrives it is powerful because of everything it means for the world of football, for our national team and for our country.