Lautaro Martinez: The Next Competitor To Erling Haaland Or Kylian Mbappe

His 112th-minute strike secured Argentina's record 16th title, etching his name in the annals of football history.

New Delhi: After leading Inter Milan to a Serie A triumph, Lautaro Martinez cemented his status as a national hero by scoring the match-winning goal against Colombia in the Copa America final on Monday, July 15. His 112th-minute strike secured Argentina’s record 16th title, etching his name in the annals of football history.

The Inter Milan skipper had a wonderful season as the striker scored 24 goals in 2023-24 season for his club. The fans had high expections from him coming to Copa America 2024 because of his red hot form but he always fought for his place in the starting eleven with Julian Alvarez.

His Copa America 2024 campaign was extremely spectacular he always stood up to the occasion when his team needed him the most. Lautaro Martinez netted five goals in the tournament, one of which came in the most important final clash against Colombia. His great performance throughout the tournament made him the Golden Boot winner. He cemented himself as the ‘big match player’ for his national team.

It’s unfortunate that he is rarely compared to Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland as the next big thing in football. despite having the same potential, his contributions often go unnoticed. This extraordinary campaign might finally give him a chance to shine brighter in the coming years. He should seize every opportunity, as it could be his last chance to earn the ‘best player’ tag.

In Copa America 2024, he showcased his calm mindset as he always scored in the crunch situations for Argentina. This tournament could be the announcement of his arrival in the bigger picture where he can also win individual awards like Ballon Dor.