A world champion pays a heartfelt tribute to Hakimi | OneFootball

The moving tribute of a world champion to Achraf Hakimi

A world champion pays a heartfelt tribute to Hakimi

Last night, Inter Milan battled to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kairat Almaty on Matchday 4 of the Champions League. This win keeps the Nerazzurri firmly in the qualification race, now level on points with Arsenal and Bayern Munich. But beyond the result, it was Lautaro Martinez's gesture that truly captured everyone's attention.

A powerful message for an injured friend

Scoring yet again, the Inter captain used his celebration to send a message of support to his former teammate, Achraf Hakimi. The Argentine shaped an "A" with his hands before breaking into the now-iconic penguin dance, made famous by the Moroccan after his goal against Spain at the 2022 World Cup. This symbolic tribute was a nod to his friend, who is currently sidelined with an injury and set to miss several weeks of action.

After suffering a severe sprain to his left ankle following a vicious tackle from Luis Diaz during the PSG-Bayern Munich clash, Hakimi is facing a challenging period. His absence, expected to last between six and eight weeks, is sending shockwaves through Morocco — the host nation of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The prospect of him missing the start, or even the entirety, of the tournament is a major concern for both fans and head coach Walid Regragui.

Lautaro Martinez’s gesture goes far beyond the football pitch. It highlights the strong bond between two former Inter teammates, and is a genuine show of solidarity for a player admired both on and off the field. A moment of pure class, applauded by fans on both sides.