When <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/}">Argentina</a> takes the field in Buenos Aires on Thursday, the atmosphere will be unlike any other. The reigning world champions have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Their opponents, Venezuela, still have everything to fight for — a potential spot in the inter-confederation playoffs. Yet beyond the stakes for Venezuela, all eyes will be on&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>, who is preparing for what could be his final appearance on Argentine soil in a competitive fixture. 



But while fans prepare to celebrate their captain, an unexpected subplot has emerged:&nbsp;ten Argentina players are just one yellow card away from suspension&nbsp;and could miss the high-profile clash with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/ecuador/">Ecuador</a> that follows. Messi, now 38, has not officially confirmed if he will play at the next World Cup. 



His contract with Inter Miami runs through 2025, with talks reportedly underway over a possible extension. But what is certain is that this match holds extraordinary meaning for the man who delivered Argentina their long-awaited third star.



“It’s going to be a very special game for me because it’s the last one in the qualifying round. I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more games after that,”&nbsp;Messi told&nbsp;Apple TV&nbsp;following Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup semifinal win over Orlando City on August 27. For Argentine fans, this sentiment makes Thursday’s match feel like both a celebration and a farewell — even if Messi has not yet closed the door on his World Cup future.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/09/02113017/Lionel-Messi-Argentina-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="Lionel Messi Argentina" class="wp-image-587926" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<h2>Ten players on thin ice</h2>



While Messi takes center stage, coach Lionel Scaloni faces a delicate challenge.&nbsp;Ten key members of the squad are one booking away from suspension, meaning they risk missing Tuesday’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup-qualifiers/">qualifier</a> against Ecuador.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-qualifiers-tv-schedule/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20161031_CMS_191239_TVSchedules_WCQ.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="World Cup qualifiers TV schedule FIFA World Cup Qualifying – CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA FIFA World Cup Qualifying – CONCACAF FIFA World Cup Qualifying – CAF FIFA World Cup Qualifying – AFC FIFA World Cup Qualifying – OFC This World Cup qualifiers TV schedule lists out every game from across the world […]
" title="World Cup 2026 Qualifiers TV Schedule in USA" publication_id="WST#/world-cup-qualifiers-tv-schedule/"></div>


Among them is Messi’s close friend and&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a> teammate <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/rodrigo-de-paul/">Rodrigo De Paul</a>, a vital figure in Argentina’s midfield engine room. He is joined by fellow midfielders&nbsp;Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Giovani Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, and Leandro Paredes, each carrying a yellow card.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/03/25201146/Julian-Alvarez-Argentina-1-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="Julian Alvarez of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team&apos;s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Chile at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on September 05, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina." class="wp-image-562044" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



The danger extends across the pitch. In defense,&nbsp;Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel&nbsp;are both walking a disciplinary tightrope. And up front, Argentina’s attacking powerhouses&nbsp;Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez&nbsp;are also at risk. This means that almost half of Argentina’s starting-quality options could be unavailable for the trip to Quito, where Ecuador’s altitude already poses a difficult challenge.

Trouble for Argentina? From Lionel Messi’s ally Rodrigo De Paul to Julian Alvarez: 10 Argentina stars risk missing key Ecuador match

Trouble for Argentina? From Lionel Messi’s ally Rodrigo De Paul to Julian Alvarez: 10 Argentina stars risk missing key Ecuador match - World Soccer Talk

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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter/">Inter Milan</a>’s turbulent 2024–25 campaign suffered another crushing setback, this time with a shock elimination at the hands of Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. In the aftermath of the defeat, captain <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lautaro/">Lautaro Martínez</a> and club CEO Giuseppe Marotta didn’t hold back—sending a clear message to one of their own: “If you don’t want to be here, please leave.”



After a shaky group stage, Inter faced Fluminense in the round of 16 at Bank of America Stadium. The Brazilian side stunned the Italian giants with a 2–0 win, sparking frustration from Martínez, who directly addressed internal issues and called for stronger commitment within the squad.



“I’m the captain and I want to stay at the top. I want to fight for the most important titles. I saw things I didn’t like. We need players who want to be here. We need the right mentality. Whoever wants to stay, should stay. If not, please leave,” Martínez said in a post-match interview with DAZN.



<h2>Marotta reveals the name</h2>



While Lautaro declined to name names when asked whether his comments were aimed at a specific teammate, club CEO Giuseppe Marotta was more direct. In a separate post-match interview, Marotta praised the captain’s leadership before identifying <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/hakan-calhanoglu/">Hakan Calhanoglu</a> as the player in question.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/06/30184217/hakan-calhanoglu-inter-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-577403" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



“I would say that Lautaro’s comments are very emotional and meaningful—he’s the captain and he wants a sense of belonging. But I’ve always said it: when a player says they want to leave, the door is wide open. He didn’t say it, but I will—this is about Calhanoglu.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-club-world-cup-schedule-download-pdf-excel-printable/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20250609_WST_573635_FIFA-Club-World-Cup.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The official 2025 FIFA Club World Cup fixture list is now available for download, offering complete match details—including dates, kickoff times, and stadiums—for all 32 teams. Fans and media can access the schedule in multiple formats.
" title="Download the complete 2025 FIFA Club World Cup schedule: PDF, Excel, and printable formats" publication_id="WST#/news/fifa-club-world-cup-schedule-download-pdf-excel-printable/"></div>


Marotta clarified that the Turkish international hasn’t formally asked to leave, but acknowledged the situation remains fluid: “But we shouldn’t crucify Calhanoglu; we’ll talk with him. For now, there’s no basis to part ways, but if that changes, we’ll do it without any problems.”



Calhanoglu started the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, playing 70 minutes. However, after recovering from injury ahead of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/club-world-cup/">Club World Cup</a>, he was left off the bench entirely in back-to-back games—first against River Plate, then Fluminense.



Inter wrap up the 2024–25 season having lost the UCL final, fallen short in the Coppa Italia semifinals, and surrendered the Serie A title on the final day. With Simone Inzaghi departing to Saudi Arabia and Cristian Chivu stepping in as head coach, a major rebuild now looms for the Nerazzurri.

Lautaro Martinez, Inter CEO slam teammate after Club World Cup exit: 'If you don't want to be here, please leave'

Lautaro Martinez, Inter CEO slam teammate after Club World Cup exit: 'If you don't want to be here, please leave' - World Soccer Talk

The 2024–25 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/champions-league/">UEFA Champions League</a> final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain will go down as one of the most lopsided results in tournament history. Following the shocking 5–0 defeat, Inter captain <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lautaro/">Lautaro Martinez</a> admitted he went nearly a week without speaking as he processed the loss.



Inter reached the final with hopes of salvaging a season without silverware, but instead ran into a relentless <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/paris-saint-germain/">PSG</a> side that overwhelmed the Italian giants. With the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 now on the horizon, Lautaro knows the team must quickly regroup.



Speaking to Italian media on Tuesday, the Argentine striker opened up: “I was sad; it was hard for me to understand the reasons. It took me five or six days before I could speak; I wanted to explain it to my team. That night, nothing was possible for us, and they did everything right. We weren’t ourselves, we weren’t a team. That’s football. Now we have to move on, there’s no other option, even though it will always stay in my head.”



On the devastating nature of the loss, he added: “I can’t understand how we let such a huge opportunity slip away. I spoke to my teammates. I asked them to stay mentally strong, I told them we needed one last push before going on vacation, one final stretch to continue growing.”



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The final capped a difficult run for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter/">Inter</a>, who had already come up short in the Supercoppa Italiana, Coppa Italia semifinals, and on the final matchday of Serie A against Napoli. The Champions League final became the ultimate blow in a season full of missed chances, and Lautaro has taken it personally.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ai-predicts-fifa-club-world-cup-shock-winner-its-not-kylian-mbappes-real-madrid-lionel-messis-inter-miami-or-erling-haalands-manchester-city/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20250614_WST_574913_messi-mbappe-haaland.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With 32 of the globe’s most storied clubs vying for supremacy, anticipation is surging. Among them are teams stacked with superstars—Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland will all feature—but none of their clubs has emerged as the clear favorite.
" title="AI predicts FIFA Club World Cup shock winner — It’s not Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, or Erling Haaland’s Manchester City" publication_id="WST#/news/ai-predicts-fifa-club-world-cup-shock-winner-its-not-kylian-mbappes-real-madrid-lionel-messis-inter-miami-or-erling-haalands-manchester-city/"></div>


<h2>Lautaro sets expectations for the Club World Cup</h2>



Inter suffered another major change ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, with manager Simone Inzaghi departing for Saudi side Al Hilal. Former club defender Cristian Chivu stepped in on short notice to lead the team into the tournament.



Still, Lautaro remains locked in: “I regret not being able to lift a trophy this season. But looking back, I can’t say it was a negative year. That should motivate us to start again with the same hunger as always. We are Inter, a mature team. We want to give everything we have at this Club World Cup. And I want to put all my energy into helping the team. There’s no turning back now.”



Inter will open Group E play on Tuesday against Monterrey, followed by Urawa Red Diamonds and River Plate. As favorites to top the group, Lautaro is focused on avoiding surprises as Inter chase international redemption.

Inter star Lautaro Martinez says he went five days without speaking after 5-0 Champions League loss to PSG

Inter star Lautaro Martinez says he went five days without speaking after 5-0 Champions League loss to PSG - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lautaro/">Lautaro Martinez</a> is set to be one of the key players to watch in the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League final between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. With his sights set on capturing his first UCL title, the Argentine striker delivered a heartfelt message to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter/">Inter</a> just a day before the decisive match.



Inter last reached the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/champions-league/">Champions League</a> final in 2022–23, falling short in a narrow 1–0 defeat to Manchester City. Now wearing the captain’s armband, Martinez is eager to lead his team to glory. In a conversation with ESPN Argentina, the striker shared his thoughts and emotions ahead of the showdown.



“I’m very proud to be playing in my second final in the last three years with this great club, which welcomed me in an incredible way from the moment I arrived in Italy. The fans love me a lot, and I’m very grateful for that. I try to show it on the pitch. Now we have another chance to play in this final and fight for this goal.”



Martinez also delivered a powerful message to his teammates and supporters. “We’re going to give everything—we’ll try to play a perfect match to bring this trophy back to Milan—which we’ve been waiting for over the past 15 years. Hopefully we can play a perfect game and achieve our objective,” he stated.



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The Argentine forward noted similarities between <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/paris-saint-germain/">PSG</a>’s playing style and that of both Barcelona and Bayern Munich. With the trophy on the line, he expects a high-stakes battle where both teams will go all out. The final is set to kick off at 3 p.m. ET, and Martinez says he’s mentally ready for the challenge.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/psg-or-inter-tennis-legend-novak-djokovic-picks-a-side-in-uefa-champions-league-final-and-shocks-italian-fans-video/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20250529_WST_571811_djokovic-psg-inter.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="While debates rage on over who deserves the crown, a surprise voice joined the chorus in Paris—tennis icon Novak Djokovic. And his answer? It left many in Italy stunned.
" title="PSG or Inter? Tennis legend Novak Djokovic picks a side in UEFA Champions League Final—and shocks Italian fans (VIDEO)" publication_id="WST#/news/psg-or-inter-tennis-legend-novak-djokovic-picks-a-side-in-uefa-champions-league-final-and-shocks-italian-fans-video/"></div>


<h2>Lautaro, completely fit for the final vs. PSG</h2>



Inter fans held their breath during the Champions League semifinals when Martinez exited the first leg against Barcelona at halftime with a muscle injury. While the initial setback caused concern, he returned for the second leg, scored a key goal, and logged 71 minutes on the pitch.



Speaking the day before the final, Martínez provided a reassuring update on his condition: “I’m doing well today. In the last league match against Como, I could have played and logged some minutes, but it was a group decision—between the medical staff and the coaching staff—to wait a little longer. But today I’m 100%, fully recovered.”



After Inter clinched their spot in the final, Martinez admitted that he cried following the injury, fearing he might miss the crucial stages. He pushed through recovery and returned just in time to help his team reach the finish line.



“Against Barcelona, I had a muscle issue. Thankfully, scans showed there was no tear, just a strain. The first two days were very painful—my leg hurt a lot—but I still played. I tried to recover as quickly and as well as possible. We did it, and the important thing is that we made it to the final. Now we’ll play this last game to go after our goal,” the World Cup champion concluded.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6839e4319a59e2e0ea8f6db8" data-title="Which team will be the winner of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League?" data-options="2"></div>

Lautaro Martinez makes final message to Inter ahead of Champions League final against PSG

Lautaro Martinez makes final message to Inter ahead of Champions League final against PSG - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lautaro/">Lautaro Martinez</a>, who was a last-minute doubt just hours before kickoff, ended up playing a pivotal role in Inter Milan’s dramatic UEFA Champions League semifinal victory over <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a>. Ahead of the second leg at San Siro, the Argentine striker admitted he broke down in tears over a lingering injury.



Martinez sustained a thigh strain near the end of the first half in the opening leg at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, which forced him to be substituted at halftime. He missed all training sessions leading up to the return leg, casting serious doubt over his availability. However, after making a return to team activities on Monday, Martinez was cleared to start.



Following the game, Lautaro opened up about his emotional and physical battle to get back on the field. “I was struggling a bit—I couldn’t even lift my leg. I spent the first two days after the injury in Barcelona crying at home. I did double training sessions all week and tried to recover. A tight bandage and straight onto the field. That’s just how I am,” he told Sky Sports.



He also shared the emotional toll the situation took on his family: “In games like this, you have to be there. I cried with my wife and kids at home, but I promised them I’d play. Even my mom was worried—she called me all morning, but I didn’t answer because she suffers so much.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/05/06200910/lautaro-martinez-inter-milan-fc-barcelona-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-568621" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



Martinez played until the 71st minute, when he was replaced by Mehdi Taremi. By then, he had already left a significant mark on the game. Wearing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter/">Inter</a> captain’s armband, he scored the opening goal after receiving a perfect pass from Denzel Dumfries, and later earned the penalty that Hakan Çalhanoğlu converted to give Inter a 2–0 lead by halftime.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/how-much-inter-milan-will-earn-for-reaching-the-uefa-champions-league-final-after-beating-barcelona/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20250506_WST_568531_lautaro-martinez-matteo-darmian-inter-milan.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="After a thrilling 4–3 win over FC Barcelona in the Champions League semifinals, Inter Milan have secured a place in the final—along with a significant financial boost from UEFA prize money.
" title="How much will Inter Milan earn for reaching the UEFA Champions League Final after beating Barcelona?" publication_id="WST#/news/how-much-inter-milan-will-earn-for-reaching-the-uefa-champions-league-final-after-beating-barcelona/"></div>


<h2>Lautaro Martinez chasing his first Champions League title</h2>



This season has been historic for Lautaro Martinez. He is now tied with Hernán Crespo for the most goals scored in a single Champions League campaign by an Inter player, with nine. With the best UCL season of his career, the 26-year-old is determined to finally get his hands on the trophy.



When asked about the upcoming final, Martinez was clear about his ambition: “We’ve wanted the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/champions-league/">Champions League</a> since day one. Actually, since the day of the final we lost in Istanbul. Let’s enjoy this final.”



Lautaro was part of the Inter squad that lost the 2022–23 final to Manchester City in a narrow 1–0 defeat in Istanbul. On May 31 in Munich, Inter will face either Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain—and this time, the Argentine striker is hoping for a different outcome.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="681aa4e6d90c74f53c9fd3bf" data-title="Will Lautaro Martinez&apos;s Inter Milan win the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League?" data-options="2"></div>

Inter Milan hero Lautaro Martinez admits he cried over injury before Champions League clash vs. Barcelona

Inter Milan hero Lautaro Martinez admits he cried over injury before Champions League clash vs. Barcelona - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter/">Inter Milan</a> are set to host the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals against FC Barcelona in what promises to be one of the most thrilling fixtures of the 2024–25 season. The excitement in Milan is building, especially after confirmation that one of the team’s key players has recovered from injury and will be available for selection.



Inter started strong in the first leg at the Montjuic Olympic Stadium, jumping to a 2–0 lead. However, they couldn’t maintain control, ultimately settling for a 3–3 draw. With everything on the line in Tuesday’s decisive match, the Italian side received welcome news regarding a star’s fitness.



Inter Milan star <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lautaro/">Lautaro Martinez</a> has recovered from his injury, and will be available to play against Barcelona. The Argentine forward suffered a left thigh strain in the first half of the first leg and was substituted at halftime. 



On Monday, head coach Simone Inzaghi offered an update during his pre-match press conference: “Lautaro hasn’t trained since the match against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a>—we’ll see how he is today. It depends on how he feels. A player who can’t start from the beginning will likely struggle to help us in the final 25 minutes.”



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Martínez quickly gave the coaching staff reasons for optimism. During the team’s training session later that day, the striker completed the full workout, including match simulations alongside fellow forward Marcus Thuram. All signs now point to the duo being ready to lead Inter’s attack on Tuesday.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/coach-inzaghi-warns-inter-players-about-lamine-yamal-ahead-of-champions-league-clash-vs-barcelona/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20250505_WST_568356_lamine-yamal-barcelona-inter.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Ahead of the second leg of the Champions League semifinals against FC Barcelona, head coach Simone Inzaghi issued a warning to his Inter Milan players about Lamine Yamal.
" title="Coach Inzaghi warns Inter players about Lamine Yamal ahead of Champions League clash vs. Barcelona" publication_id="WST#/news/coach-inzaghi-warns-inter-players-about-lamine-yamal-ahead-of-champions-league-clash-vs-barcelona/"></div>


<h2>Lautaro, Inter’s talisman in the Champions League</h2>



Although Lautaro’s domestic form has dipped—scoring just 12 goals in 31 Serie A appearances—he’s delivered when it matters most in Europe. This season, he has 8 goals in 12 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/champions-league/">Champions League</a> matches, placing him fifth in the tournament’s scoring chart.



Beyond that, Martínez has become Inter’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League, surpassing Brazilian icon Adriano with 20 goals. With a place in the final at stake, the Argentine will have the chance to solidify his reputation as Inter’s go-to player on the European stage.

Inter receive huge boost after star recovers from injury ahead of Champions League semifinal vs. Barcelona

Inter receive huge boost after star recovers from injury ahead of Champions League semifinal vs. Barcelona - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lautaro/">Lautaro Martínez</a> has raised alarm bells after being substituted at halftime of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-milan/">Inter Milan</a>‘s draw against FC Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The Italian side ended up drawing against a strong opponent. The Argentine captain is one of the main figures for Simone Inzaghi’s team, and his absence would be devastating.



Ahead of the return leg at the Giuseppe Meazza, “El Toro” will be unable to play due to a muscular injury. Medical tests confirmed the worst. “The Argentine striker suffered a strain in the flexors of his left thigh,“ reported the result of the MRI.



<h2>Martinez ruled out, Taremi likely to replace</h2>



Although the exact length of his absence has not been revealed, the Italian club has stated that the Nerazzurri’s all-time leading foreign scorer “will be evaluated day by day.” As a result, it is very likely that Inzaghi will replace him with Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi, as occurred in the first match.



“El Toro” has been injured before, however, there is always concern when your star player is being checked on by physicians constantly. Hopefully Martinez can return to the sport as soon as possible, because soccer fans miss the legend.



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<h2>Pavard’s recovery a boost</h2>



While Inter Milan will be without Lautaro Martínez, they are hoping for the return of Benjamin Pavard, who missed the first leg due to a sprained ankle suffered against AS Roma in Serie A. Everything will depend on his progress to determine whether he will be available on Tuesday. His presence would certainly lift the squad, and potentially lead to a positive result.



<h2>Barcelona vs. Inter: The return leg</h2>



Following the match in Catalonia, the teams will face each other again on Tuesday, May 6th at 3PM. More than 80,000 spectators are expected to enjoy the return leg at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.

Good news for Barcelona: Inter Milan's star player to miss Champions League return match

Good news for Barcelona: Inter Milan's star player to miss Champions League return match - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/chelsea/">Chelsea</a> have been one of the surprise packages in the 2024-25 Premier League season, with new coach Enzo Maresca quickly assembling a competitive side in less than six months. As they aim to elevate their squad to the next level, reports suggest that Chelsea are preparing a three-player swap deal, plus cash, to secure Inter Milan’s star forward <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lautaro/">Lautaro Martinez</a>.



One of Chelsea’s key issues this season has been the lack of a consistent striker to lead the line. La Masia graduate Marc Guiu has struggled to make an impact, while starting No. 9 Nicolas Jackson offers versatility due to his pace but lacks the physical presence and link-up play Maresca demands from his frontman. 



According to Argentine outlet El Grafico, Chelsea are prepared to offer <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-milan/">Inter</a> three players—Carney Chukwuemeka, Benoit Badiashile, and Mykhailo Mudryk—along with a cash sum to tempt the Italian club into parting with their talisman Lautaro Martinez.



The three Chelsea players are in a difficult situation at London. Chukwuemeka is reportedly seeking an exit due to limited playing opportunities, while Badiashile has found himself relegated to a backup role in Maresca’s setup. Mudryk’s inclusion is more complex, as the Ukrainian winger is currently serving a ban after testing positive in a routine drugs test.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/28153807/Lautaro-Martinez-Inter-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-546136" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



Team coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/enzo-maresca/">Maresca</a> seems to be looking for a striker in the transfer market, to the point that he highly praised Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, who coached at Manchester City. “Working hard off the ball, on the ball he understands the game and he can score goals. Because of his age, I think he can be an important player for England,” said about the striker, hinting at some important features he looks in a striker.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/exodus-begins-chelsea-leaves-door-open-to-60m-signing-amid-limited-minutes-under-enzo-maresca/" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.worldsoccertalk.com%2Fwebp%2Ffull%2FWST_20241220_WST_545016_Enzo-Maresca-Chelsea.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Coach Enzo Maresca has left the door open for the departure of a $60M Chelsea signing, citing a lack of playing time as the January transfer window approaches.
" title="Exodus begins: Chelsea leaves door open to $60M signing amid limited minutes under Enzo Maresca" publication_id="WST#/news/exodus-begins-chelsea-leaves-door-open-to-60m-signing-amid-limited-minutes-under-enzo-maresca/"></div>


<h2>Inter’s reluctance to sell Martinez</h2>



Since joining Inter Milan in 2018, Lautaro Martinez has cemented his place as one of the most prolific strikers in world football. His performances last season earned him a seventh-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting, following a standout 2023-24 campaign where he helped Inter win <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/serie-a/">Serie A</a> and lifted the Copa America with Argentina.



However, the current season has seen a dip in his form. Martinez has managed just one goal in six UEFA Champions League appearances and six goals in 15 Serie A matches—significantly lower than the 24 goals he netted in 33 league games last season, where he was the top goal scorer.



Despite this decline, persuading Inter to sell Martinez will require more than Chelsea’s current offer. The Italian club is reluctant to part ways with their captain, who remains central to their project despite recent financial challenges to sign players. For Martinez himself, he has settled comfortably in Italy, making a move away from his comfort zone less likely.

Three players and cash for Lautaro Martinez: Chelsea reportedly planning big offer for Inter star

Chelsea reportedly planning three-player swap plus cash for Inter star Lautaro Martinez - World Soccer Talk

Chelsea reportedly planning three-player swap plus cash for Inter star Lautaro Martinez

New negotiations for Romelu Lukaku’s summer <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/juventus-persuade-chelsea-loan-lukaku-option-permanent-deal/blt5cecd4ac64ba9412" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transfer to Juventus</a> from Chelsea are imminent.



The Old Lady is reportedly still interested in signing Romelu Lukaku. The Serie A powerhouse is stepping up its pursuit of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> striker during the current transfer window. This summer, the Belgian international is worth $44 million to the Blues.



After spending last year on loan at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-milan-tv-schedule/">Inter</a>, Lukaku has garnered interest from many Italian teams, including the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza side. However, after learning of the Belgian’s discussions with their arch-rivals, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a>, Inter decided to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/inter-pull-out-of-lukaku-deal-for-bizarre-reason-20230715-WST-443499.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end their pursuit of the veteran striker</a>.



<h5>Juventus contact angered Nerazzurri&nbsp;</h5>



A single choice, such as contacting Juve, may have far-reaching consequences for Lukaku now. The Chelsea forward failed to improve under Simone Inzaghi’s wing, as he had an injury-plagued season back at Inter on loan from Chelsea.



Nonetheless, he contributed to several key goals in the second part of the 2022/23 campaign. As a result, this summer, he was expected to return there permanently.



Despite Inter’s best efforts, they were unable to bring the ace back on a permanent $44 million transfer. The Belgian player ignored the club’s offer and didn’t return their phone calls. Even his former teammates sought to get in touch with Lukaku, now 30, to find out what was going on.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🗣️ Lautaro Martinez on Romelu Lukaku&apos;s failed move to Inter: “Lukaku? I was disappointed, it’s the truth. “I also tried to call him in those days of chaos, he never answered me, the same with my other teammates. "After so many years together, after so many things lived… <a href="https://t.co/wzy8OCx3nD">pic.twitter.com/wzy8OCx3nD</a>— SPORTbible (@sportbible) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportbible/status/1684484384231940096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Lautaro Martinez blasts former Inter teammate Lukaku</h2>



Lautaro Martinez, who has played alongside Lukaku in the striking position for three of the previous four seasons at Inter Milan, says he made an effort to get through to his former teammate. However, none of it helped.



“I was disappointed, it’s the truth. I also tried to call him in those days of chaos, he never answered me. The same he did with my other companions. After so many years together, after so many things lived together, I was disappointed. Thankfully, it’s his choice. I wish him the best”, Martinez made the startling revelation during an explosive interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.



PHOTO: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo

Lautaro addresses Lukaku Inter snub with sharp comment

New Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez has lashed out at his ex-teammate, Romelu Lukaku, for considering a move to Juventus.

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