Lautaro Martinez: ‘Important for Inter to win, not how. River Plate will be special’ | OneFootball

Lautaro Martinez apologised for the fact that Inter fell behind again during their latest FIFA Club World Cup victory, but claims that it was important ‘to win, not how’, and has shared his thoughts ahead of what he describes as a ‘special’ match-up against River Plate coming up.

Inter claimed their first victory at the 2025 Club World Cup with a 2-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, fighting back through Lautaro and young compatriot Valentin Carboni late in the second half, having fallen 1-0 behind after 11 minutes.

The Nerazzurri will go on to face River Plate, the team that Lautaro’s mother supports, on Thursday to fight for a place in the Club World Cup knock-out rounds.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Lautaro Martinez #10 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Lautaro on Inter 2-1 Urawa Red Diamonds: ‘Sorry we had to fight back again’

“It was a complicated, difficult game,” Lautaro told Inter TV after full-time.

He continued: “We knew from the start that this competition would be like this, all teams put you in difficulty because they have great heart and great defensive organisation. But, it was important to win, not how.

“We’re sorry that we had to fight back against this opponent, who scored against us with their shot on goal. We have to sort out these details if we are to make better use of our qualities.”

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 21: Valentin Carboni #45 of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field on June 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Carboni, who has not played in over eight months due to injury, came on for his first Inter appearance in over two years and netted the winner in the second minute of injury time against Urawa.

“I’ve known him since he was a kid, he’s someone who works hard and wants to improve,” Lautaro said of his teammate.

“He has to continue, and not just him. The young players give us a big hand, they have to train and try and give the coach something to think about.”

And on the prospect of facing River Plate in the final group stage fixture, Lautaro added: “A special match, because River is an Argentine team, the team that my mother supports.

“It will be a good match. We’re thinking about recovery and then preparing for the game in the best possible way.”