Credit: Agustin Marcarian-Reuters via Imagn Images

Lautaro Martínez Fires Up Inter Milan After Shock Fluminense Defeat

Inter Milan Captain Calls for Commitment After Club World Cup Loss

Credit: Agustin Marcarian-Reuters via Imagn Images

Lautaro Martinez and Inter Milan’s 2024/25 campaign went from bad to worse following their exit from the Club World Cup 2025. After a 0-2 defeat to Fluminense in the Round of 16, the Serie A side will head back to Italy.

Following the loss, Inter Milan captain Martinez hinted at frustration in his post-match interview. Stressing on the club’s rich history and strong desire, the Argentine striker was keen on bouncing back from this series of setbacks.

❗️🛡️ 40-year old Thiago Silva vs. prime Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram:

– 13 recoveries
– 1 last man tackle
– 4 tackles
– 100% ground duels won
– Lost possession only 4 times pic.twitter.com/rTkQPQciar
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) June 30, 2025

Martínez’s Blunt Message to Teammates: “Stay and Fight or Leave”

Inter Mian months after the heavy loss to PSG in the UCL Final are now defeated by the Brazilian club Fluminense. Martinez realises the long season Inter Milan has had as he stressed on wanting to bounce back.

Martinez was also seen hinting towards some players’ lack of intent in the squad. Without mentioning any specifics, the 28-year-old also made a bold claim saying that the ones eager to fight can bid their goodbyes as he continued:

“I am just saying in general. It was a long and tiring season, and we finished empty-handed. It is a general message. To stay up there and fight for titles, we must be eager, we must be a squad the way we were in the year of the second Scudetto. I am not going to name names.”

“We are here to give our all, but I saw many things I did not like. I am the captain, I am the leader of the group, so I have to speak up. The message is clear: those who want to stay and continue challenging for important trophies can do so, otherwise, goodbye.”

These quotes reflect Martínez’s frustration with the team’s performance and his call for commitment, particularly directed at teammates without calling out any names.

🚨 Lautaro just sent a MASSIVE message to his Inter teammates:

🗣️ “I don’t like losing. You must want to be here.

At Inter, you fight for objectives.
Whoever wants to stay — stay.
Whoever wants to leave — goodbye.

I’m the captain. I want to aim for the best.”

— via DAZN 🔵⚫️ pic.twitter.com/FSigQGD6wb
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) June 30, 2025

Talking about the game against Fluminense, Martinez gave credit to the opposition as he said:

“We certainly were not in the match in the first half, we conceded a goal and gave the ball away far too many times. Fluminense defended deep and well, trying to go on the counter-attack.”

“We did better in the second half, we gave our all. It was very hot, we were tired mentally, and we were missing lots of players. I apologise to the fans and everyone who came here to watch us.”

Inter Milan will head out of the campaign Trophyless and with a new manager. Starting with Simone Inzaghi, the Nerazzuri are counting on Cristian Chivu to turn things around in the coming season.

Martinez’s candid remarks—“Whoever wants to stay, stay; whoever does not want to stay should go”—reflect a leader determined to rally his team past a trophyless season and a disappointing exit. Moreover, apologising to the fans with accountability, the Argentine looks to lead by example.

As Inter Milan regroups, Martínez’s words will serve as both a standard and a challenge. Setting the stage for a critical offseason, Inter Milan will go again in the Serie A and the Champions League returning from vacation.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Inter Milan

Lautaro Martinez

Mayur Dedwal

soccer

I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!