Lautaro makes emotional return to Racing as Argentina contemplate post-Messi transition | OneFootball

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez made an emotional return to Racing Club during the international window, then addressed Argentina’s looming transition as Lionel Messi approaches his farewell from international duty.

"He hasn't left yet, we still have one game left, and after that we'll see." He told ESPN Argentina.

The Inter forward visited El Cilindro to watch the Avellaneda reserve derby between Racing and Independiente, and was welcomed by club president Diego Milito. It marked a homecoming at the ground where he began before moving to Italy in July 2018.

"What remains is the legacy he left behind, along with all of us lads who have been joining up alongside the newcomers. We have to start from scratch, as with every new cycle."

Argentina are set to face Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30, then Burkina Faso three days later in Buenos Aires, both without Messi. His farewell is scheduled for October 6 at Estadio Monumental against Benin, offering Lionel Scaloni a useful chance to shape the next cycle.

Source: Goal.com

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