Lautaro Martinez: ‘I was crying for 2 days, but Inter can write history’ in another final

epa12078642 Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez celebrates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the UEFA Champions League semifinal 2nd leg soccer match between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona, in Milan, Italy, 06 May 2025. EPA-EFE/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO

Lautaro Martinez admits he ‘sat at home crying for two days’ when he thought he’d miss the Champions League showdown with Barcelona, but has been ‘thinking about’ the Final since Inter’s defeat in 2023.

The Nerazzurri were riding a high after the 3-3 first leg draw in Montjuic, it was an even more dramatic match at San Siro that went to extra time, where Davide Frattesi eventually won it 4-3 on the night, 7-6 on aggregate.

Lautaro Martinez had opened the scoring, despite the fact he was afraid he’d miss the fixture entirely, having limped off at half-time in the first leg with a muscular problem.

Instead, he was in the starting XI and decisive, also fouled by Pau Cubarsi for a penalty converted by Hakan Calhanoglu.

Lautaro Martinez miracle recovery for Inter

“I felt the leg twinge and the first two days I just sat at home crying, but we did great work with the staff and I managed to recover, even if I was not at 100 per cent,” Lautaro Martinez told Sky Sport Italia.

“This is how I experience football, you’ve got to give your all in these games. I promised my family that I would get on the pitch today.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Inter 4-3 Barcelona

The Argentina international was visibly moved and fought to hold back tears when speaking to the reporters.

“I have many thoughts inside me. We faced a strong team, but Inter have been raising the level for four or five years, every single year, and we are proud.

“This team never gives up, and the stadium is incredible with these fans.”

Now Inter will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Final in Munich on May 31.

It is their second Final in three years after losing 1-0 to Manchester City in Istanbul in 2023.

“We’ve been thinking about this since the day after we lost the last Final. Now we’ve got to recover our energy, finish the season well and know we have another opportunity to write history.”