Inter Milan Captain Blames “Difficult Pitch” For Argentina Defeat, “Proud” To Close In On Diego Maradona Record | OneFootball

Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez was disappointed by Argentina’s defeat at the hands of Paraguay, but simultaneously proud to edge ever closer to the record of Diego Armando Maradona.

The reigning world champions clashed heads with Paraguay at Estadio Defensores del Chaco on Thursday night in a World Cup qualifier.

The Nerazzurri skipper was part of a thrilling attacking trident that also contains Julian Alvarez and Leo Messi.

Martinez extended his goalscoring run for the Albiceleste by scoring the opener in the 11th minute.

However, the hosts managed to turn the result upside-down through Antonio Sanabria and Omar Alderete.

Despite the defeat, Argentina remain on top of the CONMEBOL group. Nevertheless, the result still left a bad taste in the players’ mouths.

For his part, Lautaro felt that the overall display wasn’t as poor as the result suggests. However, he felt that the pitch impeded their play.

“We had also lost in similar fashion two matches ago [against Colombia]. We played on a difficult pitch, which has historically always been difficult for Argentina,” said the Inter captain in his post-match interview with TyC Sports via FcInterNews.

“But I think we played a good match overall. Then obviously there were mistakes and lapses in concentration. So we have to work in this regard.

Inter Milan Captain Lautaro Martinez One Goal Away From Equalizing The Tally Of Diego Maradona With Argentina

“They managed to come back against us, but we were controlling possession. Now we have to think about the next matches.”

Martinez now has 31 international goals to his name. He has thus equaled the tally of former Napoli and Juventus bomber Gonzalo Higuain.

Moreover, the 27-year-old is only one goal away from equaling the numbers of the iconic Maradona.

“I feel proud and happy with this achievement. But I must continue on the same path.”