Lautaro Martínez Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 18, 2025
As the football world enters 2025, few names resonate with as much passion, consistency, and leadership as Lautaro Javier Martínez.
Now firmly established as one of the most complete strikers on the planet, the Argentine forward has not only fulfilled his early promise but has surpassed it—emerging as the captain of Inter Milan, a key pillar of the Argentina national team, and a global icon of determination, humility, and lethal finishing. .
Then: The Boy from Bahía Blanca – A Fighter from the Start (1997–2018)
1. Roots in Argentina’s Football Heartland
Born on August 22, 1997, in Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires Province, Lautaro Martínez grew up in a modest household where football was more than a game—it was a dream. Inspired by legends like Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta, young Lautaro began playing for local clubs, showcasing a rare blend of instinct, aggression, and composure.
At 15, he joined Racing Club’s youth academy, one of Argentina’s most respected development systems. Coaches noted his relentless work ethic, intelligent movement, and killer instinct—qualities that would define his career.
2. Breakthrough at Racing Club
Martínez made his professional debut for Racing in 2015. By 2017–18, he exploded onto the scene:
- Scored 23 goals in 48 appearances
- Won the Copa Sudamericana in 2018—the club’s first continental title in 17 years
- Named Argentine Footballer of the Year (2018)
His performances—especially his clinical finishing and pressing from the front—caught the eye of Europe’s elite.
Related: Son Heung-min Then and Now
The Rise: Establishing Himself at Inter Milan (2018–2023)
1. Move to Inter Milan – A New Chapter in Italy
In July 2018, Inter Milan signed Lautaro Martínez for €22.7 million, a significant investment in a 21-year-old with potential but limited European experience.
His first seasons were a gradual ascent:
- Adapted to the physicality and tactical discipline of Serie A
- Played second fiddle to Mauro Icardi initially, then stepped up after Icardi’s departure
- Formed a devastating partnership with Romelu Lukaku under Antonio Conte
By 2020–21, he was indispensable—scoring 17 league goals as Inter won their first Serie A title in 11 years.
2. Evolution into a Complete Striker
Under managers Simone Inzaghi and later Stefano Pioli (in 2024), Lautaro evolved beyond a pure finisher:
- Improved link-up play and hold-up ability
- Became a pressing machine, leading Inter’s high-intensity style
- Developed a knack for clutch goals in derbies and European nights
By 2023, he was Inter’s top scorer and vice-captain, embodying the club’s fighting spirit.
Related: Bruno Fernandes Then and Now
Now: Captain, Leader, Legend (2024–2025)
1. Named Captain of Inter Milan
In July 2024, following the departure of veteran Samir Handanović and the end of an era, Lautaro Martínez was officially named captain of Inter Milan—a symbolic and emotional moment for the club and its fans.
Wearing the #10 jersey and the armband, Lautaro now leads a new generation of Nerazzurri stars, including Bastoni, Thuram, and Çalhanoğlu. His leadership is defined by:
- Leading by example—on the pitch, in training
- Vocal presence in high-pressure moments
- Deep connection with fans and the city of Milan
2. Record-Breaking 2024–25 Season
By early 2025, Lautaro is having the best season of his career:
- 28 goals and 12 assists in all competitions
- Key goals in the Serie A title race and UEFA Champions League knockout stages
- Scored a hat-trick in the Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan, sealing a 4–2 victory
- Named Serie A Player of the Month three times already in the season
He is Inter’s all-time top scorer among Argentine players, surpassing legends like Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso in contributions.
3. Tactical Mastery and Playing Style
Now 27 years old, Lautaro has refined his game into a complete modern striker:
- Movement: Unparalleled off-the-ball intelligence, constantly dragging defenders out of position
- Finishing: Clinical with both feet and head
- Pressing: Among the best in the world at triggering counter-pressing
- Assists and creativity: More involved in build-up than ever, often dropping deep to create
Under Inzaghi’s 3-5-2, he thrives as the central striker, supported by wingers like Marcus Thuram and backed by a solid midfield.
4. Ballon d’Or Contender and Global Recognition
In 2024, Lautaro finished 6th in the Ballon d’Or rankings—his highest ever—recognized not just for goals, but for leadership, consistency, and influence.
He was also named:
- FIFPRO World 11 nominee (2024)
- Serie A Footballer of the Year (2024)
- Cover athlete for FIFA 25 in Latin America
Brands like Nike, Pepsi, and Hublot have signed him for global campaigns, cementing his status as a marketable superstar with substance.
Related: Florian Wirtz Then and Now
International Career: Pride of Argentina
1. Key Figure in Argentina’s Golden Era
Lautaro has been a vital part of Argentina’s golden generation since his debut in 2018. Though initially behind Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, and Gonzalo Higuaín, he earned his place through sheer performance.
His major contributions include:
- Copa América 2021 Champion – played crucial role off the bench
- Finalissima 2022 Winner vs. Italy
- 2022 FIFA World Cup Winner – scored in the group stage and provided key assists
- Copa América 2024 Runner-Up – scored 4 goals, finished second in Golden Boot race
By 2025, with Messi retired from international football, Lautaro Martínez has become Argentina’s primary striker and emotional leader—wearing the #9 with pride.
2. Legacy in the Making
He’s now Argentina’s third-highest active scorer behind Messi and Agüero and is on track to become one of the nation’s all-time top scorers.
Fans call him “El Toro”—a nickname that reflects his power, tenacity, and never-give-up attitude.
Related: Jamal Musiala Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Lautaro Martínez remains one of football’s most grounded and humble stars. He is in a long-term relationship with Agustina Gandolfi, a childhood sweetheart from Bahía Blanca, and they have two children. The family splits time between Milan and Argentina, maintaining strong ties to his roots.
He’s known for:
- Donating millions to hospitals and schools in Bahía Blanca
- Avoiding social media drama
- Speaking passionately about family, faith, and hard work
In interviews, he often says:
“I didn’t come this far to be satisfied. I came to leave a legacy.”
Cultural Impact and Legacy (In 2025)
By 2025, Lautaro Martínez is more than a footballer—he’s a symbol of resilience, loyalty, and quiet excellence.
He represents:
- The triumph of hard work over hype
- The value of consistency in an age of flash
- A new model of leadership—calm, committed, and courageous
At Inter Milan, murals of him holding the Serie A trophy or the Champions League trophy have appeared across the city. Fans chant:
“Capitano, Capitano! Lautaro, nuestro hermano!”
He’s also a role model for young South American strikers, proving that you don’t need flashy celebrations or social media fame to be great—just heart, hunger, and humility.
Related: Pedri Then and Now
Conclusion: Lautaro Martínez – Then and Now (In 2025)
- Then: A determined teenager from Bahía Blanca, fighting for a spot in Racing Club’s academy, dreaming of playing in Europe.
- Now: Captain of Inter Milan, World Cup winner, Serie A legend, and one of the most respected footballers on the planet.
Lautaro Martínez’s journey is a testament to what relentless belief, discipline, and love for the game can achieve. He wasn’t the most heralded signing, the fastest, or the flashiest—but he outworked, outlasted, and outshone.
As he leads Inter into the 2025 UEFA Champions League final and prepares to captain Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, one thing is certain:
Lautaro Martínez isn’t just writing history.
He’s living it.
🔥 “I don’t need the spotlight. I just need the ball, the team, and the will to fight.” – Lautaro Martínez
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