Lautaro Martinez expressed relief after Inter Milan finally secured their first win at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. However, the Nerazzurri captain also issued an apology for the team conceding the opening goal in their match against Urawa Red Diamonds.
Inter managed a 2-1 comeback victory over the Japanese side, with goals from Martinez and Valentin Carboni in the second half. The win provides crucial momentum ahead of their high-stakes clash with River Plate on matchday three.
Martinez highlighted the upcoming encounter with River Plate as a particularly emotional one for him, as the Argentine club is supported by his mother.
With renewed motivation, Inter are now turning their full attention to preparing for the decisive showdown with River Plate. The team understands the importance of raising their performance to meet the upcoming challenge.
Reflecting on the game against Urawa, Martinez acknowledged the difficulty of the match. Inter found themselves trailing in the 11th minute before managing to turn the game around.
Despite the victory, the Argentine forward was critical of his team's approach, particularly their insistence on building play from the back. He emphasized the need for Inter to improve on the finer details if they hope to assert greater control in future matches.
“It was a complicated and tough match,” Martinez told Inter TV after the game.
“We knew from the start that this tournament would be like this all the teams are highly motivated and defensively organized. But in the end, what matters is the win, not how it’s achieved,” he added.
Valentin Carboni emerged as the match-winner, scoring in stoppage time to seal Inter’s victory. The goal marked a triumphant return for Carboni, who had been sidelined for eight months due to injury.
Having known Carboni since his youth, Martinez offered special praise and encouraged other young players to follow his example.
“I’ve known him since he was a kid he’s a hard worker and eager to improve,” said Martinez.
“He needs to keep this up. And it’s not just him the young players are making important contributions. They must continue training hard and give the coach reasons to trust them,” the captain concluded.
