Inter Milan Captain Dedicates Argentina 3-0 Ecuador FIFA Wold Cup Qualifier To Lionel Messi: ‘It’s An Emotional Evening’ | OneFootball

Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez says that he dedicates Argentina’s win against Ecuador to Lionel Messi.

The 28-year-old spoke to ESPN, via FCInterNews, after yesterday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying win.

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.

Inter Captain Lautaro Martinez Dedicates Win Vs Ecuador To Lionel Messi

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 06: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after team mate Hakan Calhanoglu (not pictured) scores his team’s second goal from the penalty spot 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 Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

After yesterday’s match, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez gave his thoughts on the victory.

“It’s an emotional evening for us,” he said. “And one for us to remember what Leo always means to us.”

The Inter captain continued to give his thoughts on Argentina captain Messi’s importance to the team. Even at the age of 38.

“Until his last day with us, Leo will continue to teach us,” he said.

“I thank him for everything that he’s given to the national team, and to football.”