Lautaro Martinez: "What doesn't kill me makes me stronger," he told France Football.

The Inter Milan captain opened up about the defining moments in his life, from growing up in poverty in Argentina to the recent Champions League final loss and his thoughts on the 2025 Ballon d'Or.

Martinez celebrates after scoring against Barca in the 2024-2025 Champions League season at the San Siro on 6/5/2025. Photo: AFP

Martinez recently celebrated his 28th birthday. When asked about his most memorable childhood gift, he fondly recalled his first pair of soccer cleats. "They were blue and white, like the Argentinian flag," Martinez shared. "It was a special gift because my parents worked incredibly hard to buy them for me. It's a memory etched in my mind, a reminder of my challenging childhood."

Martinez's childhood was marked by financial hardship. "My father was a soccer player, and we moved around a lot," he explained. "When he returned to Bahia Blanca, both my parents were unemployed, and we struggled financially. We had almost no income, and there were times when we had to choose between paying rent or having food. Fortunately, a family friend lent us a house where we lived for two years. I'm incredibly grateful to those who helped us, especially my parents, who sacrificed everything so we wouldn't go without."

These early struggles shaped Martinez profoundly. "I appreciate everything now, even the smallest things," he reflected. "Back then, my parents always put their children first, ensuring we had a meal even if it meant they went hungry. If I could go back in time, I would relive that childhood. Those daily struggles helped me grow into the person I am today."

Known for his meticulous nature, Martinez admitted, "I like things organized and clean. Cleanliness is therapeutic for me. When I'm stressed, I'll vacuum, wipe tables – my wife has to tell me to calm down! It's been this way since I was young. My parents worked all day, and I wanted the house to be clean and tidy for their return. I was raised that way and continue to do it because I enjoy it."

Martinez's determined playing style and relentless spirit on the field are rooted in his upbringing. "On the field, I give everything I have," he stated. "It's the moment I've prepared for, the reason I sacrifice time with my family and children. Every match is special; I approach it with complete responsibility. Sometimes my family tells me I'm a little crazy, too intense, but that's how I live for soccer. Being captain of a team like Inter is partly thanks to my past, which forged my strength."

Leaving home for Buenos Aires to join Racing's academy was difficult, especially as his older brother, Alan, experienced health issues. "Leaving my family was really tough," Martinez recalled. "Alan and I, only 10 months apart, did everything together. When I left, he developed health problems, and I almost gave up. Thankfully, my mother convinced me to stay in Buenos Aires to pursue my dream. Her support and strength made my life today possible. My parents still keep my bed from those days; my mother doesn't want to change it because she misses me every day."

Reflecting on his hometown, Bahia Blanca, Martinez reminisced, "I see myself playing with Alan and our friends in the neighborhood, playing soccer in the streets, or 'potrero' as we call it in Argentina. Even then, I was a serious kid."

Comparing his younger self to the man he is today, Martinez joked, "I probably have a few more gray hairs. Many things have changed, especially financially. I can now give back to my family, which is what I'm most proud of. After years of sacrifice, we've been rewarded with a new life and opportunities for my children's education. However, I still hold onto the values my parents instilled in me: humility, respect, hard work, and sacrifice. My wife and I try to teach these lessons to our children, even though they're growing up in different circumstances."

Growing up around soccer, Martinez always dreamed of following in his father's footsteps. "My father was a soccer player," he said. "We practically lived in the locker room, spending all day on the field. I always dreamt of being like him. Thanks to God and a lot of effort, I've achieved that. My brother also plays soccer in Bahia Blanca. I'm proud we fulfilled our childhood dreams, following the path of our father, our role model."

Now, Martinez's dreams center on his family and continued success. "I want my children to grow up healthy," he shared. "Professionally, I want to keep winning titles with my incredible Inter Milan team, scoring goals, and improving. Personally, I want to be respected and loved, not just for what I do on camera but also for who I am off the field. I have a big heart; I enjoy helping others, especially the kids at San Juan club in my hometown, because I understand what they're going through."

Before turning to soccer, Martinez also enjoyed basketball. "My youngest brother, Jano, is a professional basketball player at Ferro," he explained. "When we moved, we lived in a neighborhood with a basketball court, and I loved it. I played soccer in the mornings or afternoons and basketball in the evenings until I was 15. Then, I had to choose, and I chose soccer. And here I am." He also noted the connection to basketball legend Manu Ginobili, also from Bahia Blanca. "Pepe Sanchez too," Martinez added. "Many players from Argentina's golden generation of basketball are from Bahia Blanca. Three of them, along with Alejandro Montecchia, won gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics. I'm very proud to know them. Whenever I'm back in Bahia Blanca, I chat with Pepe Sanchez. He has a club and lets me use his gym, and we play basketball together."

Martinez (in orange) is chased by Fiorentina defender Lucas Martinez Quarta during the round 22 Serie A match at the Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence, Italy on 28/1/2024. Photo: AP

Martinez has numerous pre-game rituals. "Especially on match day mornings," he revealed. "I try to do everything the same, like setting my alarm for 8:01. It's a series of odd habits that give me peace of mind. As soon as I wake up, I turn on the kettle for mate tea and take a shower. The hot water is ready when I get out."

These rituals extend to the field. "I have to step onto the pitch with my right foot, my dominant foot," Martinez explained. "It's common in Argentina and South America, a belief for a smooth match. I prefer to keep my other rituals private, as they're quite superstitious."

His nickname, "El Toro" (The Bull), originated during his youth. "A teammate at Racing's youth team gave me the nickname during our first training sessions," he said. "I was strong, always running and shooting powerfully, so he said I resembled a bull. I think it represents me well. I even have a bull tattooed on my wrist (he removes his watch to reveal his left wrist) from my time in Buenos Aires."

Martinez enjoys the physicality of the game. "I love those moments," he admitted. "Physical contact helps you get into the game, gives you more energy. Winning a challenge boosts your confidence." He also addressed a past disagreement with former coach Antonio Conte in 2021. "We had a minor clash, but it was resolved," Martinez confirmed. "My teammates jokingly set up a boxing ring afterward. It was better to laugh about it than dwell on it. It was quite funny and helped relieve tension."

Martinez initially played as a defender, influenced by his father. "My father was a defender, and I copied everything he did," he explained. "I liked protecting the goal, being the last line of defense. But as I grew, the coach moved me up front, and I stayed there. I still enjoy defending, though!" He even speculated about facing his father on the field. "I think he could stop me from scoring," Martinez mused. "He was a very good defender. In his prime, it would be tough to get past him. It'd be an interesting matchup, but I believe I'm at least his equal."

Martinez's tattoos tell a story. "On my back, I have a large lion representing me and a cub for my two children," he shared. "If I had 20 kids, I couldn't tattoo 20 lions, so I just have one. Behind the lions is a jungle and a path, symbolizing me protecting and guiding them in the right direction."

His first tattoo was his grandfather's name, Nestor, who passed away when Martinez was two. "I got it when I was 14," he said. "My mother didn't allow it before, but I convinced her by saying, 'Mom, I want to tattoo grandpa's name to remember him.' She couldn't refuse! After that, I became addicted. Each tattoo has meaning, representing my family and life. I have my parents' names – Mario and Karina – along with praying hands, my children's names, grandparents, siblings... I also have Our Lady of Lujan because I'm very religious, as if she's always with me. On the back, I have a compass, a clock, and a phrase I always repeat: 'What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.' Then there's my Argentina debut date, 27/3/2018, even though it was a 1-6 loss to Spain, and my professional debut with Racing on 1/11/2015, tattooed inside a soccer ball. They all have meaning, marking milestones or things that are with me every day."

Regarding future tattoos, Martinez said, "I'm still thinking. I want to finish my right arm. I've considered the World Cup, Copa America, and Inter titles. But I haven't done it yet because if I win everything I dream of, it will be hard to fit them all (laughs). Maybe I'll tattoo the World Cup victory date, 18/12/2022. If we win the Champions League, I'll do the same, someday, I hope."

Martinez and his family at his Inter Milan contract extension signing in 2024. Photo: AFP

The Champions League final losses, however, are not tattoos but scars. "Inter and I played two Champions League finals in three years," Martinez reflected. "Each time, we had a memorable journey but fell short in the final match. The memory is painful, especially the recent loss against PSG. I couldn't accept it because we went into the game confident and well-prepared. Things didn't go as planned, and the pain was greater. These are scars that take time to heal."

Comparing PSG to Barcelona, whom Inter defeated in the semi-finals, Martinez noted, "They're completely different teams. But I always considered and told my family that both were title contenders. By beating Barca with our play, humility, and strengths, we achieved our goal of reaching the final. If we had played as we prepared, we had a great chance to beat PSG. But we didn't."

The loss to PSG left Martinez feeling powerless. "We couldn't execute our plan," he lamented. "That was the most frustrating part. We knew it would be difficult because they're a strong, confident team with a winning pedigree. But we weren't at our best that day. Despite our preparation and composure, it was their day. They played brilliantly and deserved the result. I congratulated Hakimi and Donnarumma. They played for Milan teams, and we have a good relationship. I was happy for them."

Martinez played the final with an injury. "I strained a muscle in the first leg of the semi-final against Barca," he revealed. "The doctor said I needed 12-15 days because of a minor tear. I did physiotherapy twice a day for six days before the second leg, training in the gym. The day before the game, despite the pain, I strapped it up and played. When I won the penalty, the pain was intense. But it was okay. Two days later, the pain intensified, and tests revealed a more severe tear. I worked with the doctor to prepare for the final as best as I could. I tried my best, but the muscle didn't fully recover. Honestly, I was ready to play, but not at 100%."

The aftermath of the loss was devastating. "After a few days of rest, I had to return to the national team and immediately travel to the US for the FIFA Club World Cup," Martinez shared. "There was a week of immense pain, very difficult to accept. But afterward, there was no time for self-pity. I had to move on, turn the page, retain the positives, improve on them, fix what went wrong, and look ahead."

Martinez was unable to speak for five days after the final. "I wanted to talk to everyone, my teammates, but I couldn't," he admitted. "Not a word came out. I felt stuck, lost, and sad because it was a huge shock. We had a chance for a treble, but we ended up empty-handed. It was the biggest pain I've ever experienced."

Reflecting on Inter's end-of-season slump, Martinez explained, "It's hard to explain. It's soccer: sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Napoli, the Serie A champions, focused solely on that competition. They had time to rest and prepare thoroughly for each match. We, on the other hand, faced a congested schedule, fatigue, injuries, and player shortages at crucial times from the previous season. These factors had a significant impact. But every season is a learning experience."

Martinez dismissed speculation that coach Simone Inzaghi's future impacted the team's performance. "Not at all," he stated. "Everyone is free to make their own choices. At that time, the coach hadn't told us about any offers or his departure. We were focused on our goals. He always showed professionalism. We were always comfortable working with Simone. He was the tactical mind of the team."

Martinez celebrates winning the 2023-2024 Serie A title.

Addressing comments aimed at Hakan Calhanoglu after the FIFA Club World Cup loss to Fluminense, Martinez clarified, "It was a misunderstanding. A few things bothered me, but my statement, 'Whoever wants to stay can stay, whoever doesn't can leave,' was general, not directed at him specifically. As captain, that was my thought at the time. Some agreed, some didn't, but we discussed it with the team, the coach, and the management. Everything was clarified, and now it's all good. We're united, and our new coach, Cristian Chivu, is working incredibly hard. We'll give our all for him."

Martinez has forgiven the team and himself for the previous season's disappointing end. "All the players were deeply affected," he acknowledged. "Mistakes are inevitable. When you make a mistake without malicious intent, aiming to grow and improve, forgiveness is necessary. The new coach's arrival, starting a new cycle, has brought a fresh perspective. Changing the atmosphere, goals, and motivation is crucial."

He also addressed his 7th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d'Or. "I expected to be ranked higher after being the top scorer and best player in Serie A, winning the Copa America with five goals, including the decisive one in the final," Martinez stated. "I also won the Italian Super Cup with goals in the semi-final and final. I respect the jury's choice. I was asked my opinion, and I spoke honestly. That's who I am, always straightforward. At least, everything is clear."

While individual recognition matters to Martinez, he emphasizes the importance of the team. "The collective always comes first," he said. "But achieving individual goals means you've done well for the team. Collective goals get us to that position, to that gala night. Being in the top 30 was a great reward, but I dream of winning the ultimate prize for my season. I dream of winning the Ballon d'Or, an incredibly prestigious award." He also addressed Lionel Messi's comment that he deserved it over Rodri. "I don't know," Martinez responded. "Individual recognition is very important to me."

While acknowledging he may be underrated, Martinez focuses on his performance. "Maybe it's an image or marketing issue that prevents me from getting the recognition I deserve," he suggested. "But I always give my all for my teammates and the jersey I wear. That's what matters. I strive to achieve my goals to feel at peace with myself. At 28, I'm very satisfied with my career. I'm always progressing, improving my game, and there's still much to learn. Yes, I want more recognition. It's important. But above all, I want to be remembered as a kind, polite, and well-behaved person."

Martinez believes his value is defined by his performance on the field. "Each player defines their own worth through every match, every step forward, and their career growth," he explained. "We strive for ourselves first. Then, there are those who vote, comment, analyze, and express their opinions. Sometimes, they might wake up in a bad mood and speak ill of you. It's freedom of speech, freedom of comment and criticism. When criticized, you'll naturally be hurt, but they're just words. It's all subjective; everyone can assign their own value to each player."

Martinez confidently places himself among the top five strikers in the world. "I don't want to name specific names," he said. "Everyone has their own ranking, and there are many excellent strikers in today's soccer. But what I've done in the past few years allows me to confidently say I'm among the five best."

Looking ahead to the 2025 Ballon d'Or, Martinez acknowledged the challenge. "It will be tough," he admitted. "We had a very good season collectively, competing in every competition. I wasn't at my best initially, but I felt better each month. I scored many goals in the Champions League, becoming Inter's all-time top scorer in the competition, an important personal goal. I don't know what position I can expect, but I feel very comfortable and happy. Despite losing out on titles in the final matches, I had a great season individually with 27 goals and 4 assists. I think I deserve a high ranking."

Having faced PSG and Barca, Martinez offered his perspective on potential Ballon d'Or winners. "Many players had excellent seasons, winning many titles," he observed. "PSG has several candidates, and one of them could win, like Hakimi or Dembele. I'd also love to see Mohamed Salah win the Ballon d'Or. But it all depends on the criteria. He had a fantastic season in the Premier League, which he won, and he's a truly remarkable player."

Hoang Thong (via France Football)