Inter Milan Captain Calls Colombia Legend ‘My Childhood Inspiration’ – Adds Ex Real Madrid Captain ‘The Best Defender I’ve Come Up Against’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez says Radamel Falcao is his “childhood inspiration” and Sergio Ramos the best defender he’s faced.

The Argentina spoke to French outlet L’Equipe, via FCInterNews. He also named Argentina captain Lionel Messi as the best assist-provider he’s played with.

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez is currently away with the Argentina national team for the international break.

The 28-year-old came off the bench to score the third goal in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Ecuador last night.

That is often how it has been with Martinez in recent years.

The Inter captain has not always been a regular starter for Argentina. This owes to the formidable competition for places in attack for the Albiceleste, and above all Julian Alvarez.

However, even when Martinez does not start, he usually makes his impact.

The Nerazzurri striker came off the bench in the World Cup final in 2022, for example. And he scored against Colombia as a substitute in last summer’s Copa America final.

And once again yesterday, it was a goal off the bench for Argentina from Martinez.

Lautaro: “Falcao My Childhood Inspiration, Ramos Best Defender I’ve Come Up Against”

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 06: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Asked which player was his childhood inspiration, Martinez named “Radamel Falcao.”

And as for the best defender he’s played against, the Argentine named “Sergio Ramos.”

Meanwhile, Martinez spoke about his personal pre-match ritual. “I thank God,” he said. “I ask him for everything to go okay.”

“And I kiss my shin guards,” added the Inter captain. “Where there is a picture of my children.”

As for the first thing he does after every match, Martinez explained “talk to my wife, and my family.”

“For better or worse. Depending on my match and my mood. I only talk to them.”

Furthermore, as far as the best player best at assisting, Martinez named “Messi.” He called the Argentina captain “extraterrestrial.”

Lastly, Martinez said with a smile that his pick for the 2025 Ballon d’Or is “Lautaro.”