Lionel Messi defended his Argentina teammate Lautaro Martinez after the Inter striker was criticised for his lack of goals at the World Cup.
The Italian press criticised Lautaro for his disappointing cameo appearance in Argentina’s win over Australia, suggesting he was suffering from ‘Lukaku syndrome’.
Speaking to TyC Sport, Messi defended his friend and teammate Lautaro, calling him important for Argentina at the World Cup.
“Lautaro is a very important player for us, he is a striker who lives by scoring goals. Now it is fundamental that he is well in view of the quarter-final and what still has to happen in this World Cup.”