Lautaro Martinez, the prolific striker for Internazionale, has publicly stated that winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or will take a back seat to his focus on the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. This highly anticipated matchup will unfold on Saturday and is set to be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The Argentinian forward has been phenomenal this season, netting an impressive total of 22 goals across all competitions, with nine of those coming in Europe. His performance has played a pivotal role in Inter reaching the final after defying expectations and knocking out formidable opponents such as Bayern Munich and Barcelona along the way.
Winning the Champions League is often seen as a gateway to individual accolades like the Ballon d’Or. Should Internazionale secure victory on Saturday, they would claim their fourth Champions League title, a feat that could significantly elevate Martinez’s stature in global football rankings. However, the 27-year-old insists that his priorities lie elsewhere, firmly rooted in team success rather than personal accolades. He expressed his sentiments candidly, stating, “Personal prizes come after what I want to give to my team.” His ultimate aim is to celebrate the joy with fans who have stood by him through seven years of dedicated service at the club.
Having made the move to Inter in 2018, Martinez has already lifted several trophies, including the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia on two occasions each. Moreover, his accomplishments extend to national glory, having been a key contributor to Argentina’s success at the 2022 World Cup. Nevertheless, Martinez carries the weight of disappointment from past European finals with the Nerazzurri, having suffered defeats against Manchester City in the 2023 Champions League and Sevilla in the 2020 Europa League. This history strengthens his resolve to turn the tables in this final.
Martinez reflected on his team’s current trajectory, noting, “It’s the second final in three years. I want to achieve things with this team.” His emphasis on collective goals underscores the unity and determination within the squad as they aim for conquest in Munich. When asked about their preparation, he maintained that the focus remains on executing their game plan against PSG, stating, “What is really important is that we continue to play the football we played up until now. With the weapons we have, we can hit them where it hurts”.
The tactical prowess of Simone Inzaghi, Inter’s manager, has been a critical component in the team’s journey to the final. He has established a resilient side characterized by a solid defensive mechanism and potent offensive capabilities, not just through Martinez but also with the talented Marcus Thuram supporting him up front. On the other hand, PSG coach Luis Enrique has assembled a youthful yet formidable team, presenting a powerful challenge for Inter. To overcome such adversaries, Martinez stresses the necessity of meticulous preparation, aiming to “put up a wall against PSG and play the game we want to play”.
As the excitement builds for the final, the anticipation around when it will occur is equally palpable. The Champions League final is scheduled to kick off at 8 PM UK time on Saturday, May 31. Coverage will begin at 6 PM on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and discovery+, with the Allianz Arena in Munich serving as the backdrop for this captivating encounter. Given the stakes, both teams are poised for an epic showdown, and all eyes will undoubtedly be on the pitch as they vie for European glory.
