Lautaro Martinez: ‘ Never imagined Inter Champions League record’ of 18 goals

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – MARCH 05: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between Feyenoord and FC Internazionale Milano at De Kuip on March 05, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Lautaro Martinez ‘never would’ve imagined’ becoming Inter’s all-time Champions League top scorer, but feels Alessandro Bastoni was the real MVP against Feyenoord.

It was a strong showing from the Nerazzurri in Rotterdam, as Marcus Thuram’s acrobatic flick and a ferocious Lautaro Martinez finish sealed the 2-0 result.

There could’ve been a third on 65 minutes, but Piotr Zielinski saw his penalty saved by Timon Wellenreuther.

The goal makes the Argentina international into the all-time top scorer for the club in the history of the Champions League, his 18 one more than Sandro Mazzola in the old European Cup.

“Proud is the first word that comes to mind, because I never would’ve imagined achieving this feat,” Lautaro Martinez told Amazon Prime Video Italia.

“I am grateful to Inter, the fans and my teammates. I also thank my family, both in Italy and Argentina, as they stayed by my side through good times and bad.”

Lautaro Martinez stands up for Inter

Inter are the only Italian team still in the Champions League, but also the only Serie A side in three tournaments, as they are also in the Coppa Italia semi-final against Milan.

“There is so much talk about Inter, but we are on the field every two days for eight months now. There are many lads who also play international duty, but we still try to give our best for this shirt.”

Bastoni was forced to play as a left-sided wing-back in the absence of any other alternatives, because Federico Dimarco, Carlos Augusto, Matteo Darmian and Nicola Zalewski were all injured.

“We were struggling today and Bastoni deserved to win the Man of the Match award for all the sacrifices he made,” insisted Lautaro Martinez.

The captain also took the opportunity to lash out at some of his critics, including those who wanted him to receive a Serie A ban for an alleged blasphemous phrase uttered on camera, something he has furiously denied.

“I respect everyone, but I was accused of something that did not happen. I am pleased now, because I am proving the kind of person I am on the field.”