When we open Argentina’s national team lineup, one name almost never misses a beat—Lautaro Martinez. It’s not Messi, not Dybala, not Icardi, but this under-1.8-meter forward who repeatedly proves himself as the steady hand in major tournaments.
So, what level is Lautaro really at? Is he a system-driven striker or an opportunist? Is he a top European talent or slightly overrated? Let’s break it down fully and see why he’s more than just a name on a roster.
Basic Stats: Numbers That Speak
Born in 1997, standing at 1.74 meters, Lautaro plays both as a central forward and on the wing. He’s currently the captain of Inter Milan, and as of 2024, he has over 60 appearances for Argentina, scoring more than 20 goals for the national team and contributing to over 200 club goals.
The numbers alone don’t wow everyone—but it’s his performance in key moments that truly shows his value.
Honors Galore: Shining on Club and Country
With Argentina:
- 2021 Copa América Champion: Scored the opening goal in the semi-final against Colombia and nailed his penalty in the shootout.
- 2022 World Cup Winner: While not the main scorer, he held his nerve in the knockout stage shootout against the Netherlands, securing victory.
- 2022 Finalissima Champion: Helped Argentina dominate Italy with crucial contributions.
With Inter Milan:
- 2020-21 Serie A Champion: Formed the lethal “L+L” duo with Lukaku, combining for 41 goals.
- 2022-23 Europa League Runner-up: Scored multiple decisive goals in knockout stages; although the team lost in the final, he was praised as the most stable attacking point.
- 2023-24 Serie A Golden Boot: Netted 24 goals with remarkable efficiency.
Technical Skills: Small Stature, Big Impact
1. Exceptional Goal Sense: Lautaro’s top skill isn’t speed or flashy tricks—it’s pure game sense. He can sniff out even half a second of space in the box and strike decisively.
2. Strong Despite Height: Though not tall, his low center of gravity and explosive strength let him challenge 1.9-meter defenders, often winning the first battle for position.
3. Versatile Attacker: Besides playing central forward, he can drop into shadow striker roles or drift wide to assist attacks. Over 30% of his goal contributions at Inter Milan come from creating space and initiating “second-phase attacks.”
Tactical Value: Coach’s Dream Player
Lautaro isn’t the one-touch genius who always scores—he’s the tactical “safety fuse.”
- Off the ball, he runs, presses, and helps defend.
- On the ball, he can hold, shoot, or pass with a mature understanding of the game.
- He meshes perfectly with technical stars like Messi and Di María, complementing their style.
That’s why, in both Scaloni and Inzaghi’s systems, Lautaro almost always starts. He’s a player you can count on every time.
Facing the Critics
Of course, he’s not flawless:
- He’s had ups and downs in front of goal in big tournaments, like the group stage struggles of the 2022 World Cup.
- Sometimes he relies too much on midfield support, lacking the solo dominance of stars like Mbappé or Haaland.
- Compared to explosive strikers like Higuaín or Agüero, he might seem less flashy, but his reliability makes him extremely valuable.
The Backbone of Champions
Lautaro isn’t a freakishly gifted prodigy, but he’s the kind of player who never disappears when the team needs him most. He’s not the flashy name topping headlines every week, but he’s a pillar of any championship squad.
In a world that worships shine, Lautaro’s combination of hard work, stability, and practicality has propelled him to the top of the footballing world. No halo needed—he still becomes a legend.
Why We Can’t Ignore Lautaro
Lautaro Martinez is the quiet yet essential force behind every winning team. For those of us watching, it’s a reminder that consistent effort, intelligence on the pitch, and tactical awareness often outweigh flashy skills. Lykkers, next time we tune into a match, let’s watch closely how this small-but-mighty striker keeps leading his team to victory.
