🚨Lautaro Martínez was asked about Lionel Messi’s influence during Argentina’s World Cup semi-final victory over England.
🎙️ Reporter: “Lautaro, can you tell us what Lionel Messi said to you after you came on?”
🗣️ Lautaro Martínez:
“People see the assists, the dribbles and the magic, but they don’t see what Leo does with his words.
When I came onto the pitch, he walked over to me and said, ‘Attack the space between the defenders. Go for the headers. Keep making those runs.’
I tried it the first time and it didn’t work. I looked at him, and instead of telling me to change, he kept giving me signs to keep believing. He knew the opportunity would come.
We were 1–1 with less than five minutes to play. Leo looked at the scoreboard, then looked straight at me and nodded. He didn’t even have to speak. I knew exactly what he wanted. I knew the assignment.
That’s what makes him different. He sees the game before everyone else. He knows where the space will open, and he gives you the confidence to attack it without hesitation.
Playing with him is incredible because he doesn’t only create chances with his feet. He creates belief in every player around him.
At 39 years old, he’s still leading Argentina in the biggest matches, still deciding games and still showing us why he’s the greatest footballer I’ve ever seen.
We’re in another World Cup final because once again, when Argentina needed someone to guide us, Lionel Messi was that man.”