Lautaro from Barcelona to San Siro: captain, example, leader

The Inter vs. Barcelona story is made up for different chapters, stories and characters. There are lots of situations, moments and factors that will remain in the hearts of Inter fans forever. It's easy to think about the clash at Montjuic, Thuram's touch and Dumfries' overhead kick. And then, the rain at San Siro, the double advantage, the match which was nearly lost, Yamal proving unstoppable once again, Acerbi's miracle goal, the drama in extra time and Yann Sommer's heroic display. From the eve of the clash in Barcelona to the final whistle at San Siro, Inter have lived seven mythical days.

Different stories, protagonists, and men — but there is one player who has reached new heights within an already unforgettable Nerazzurri career. Lautaro Martínez has been the captain, the leader, the heart of this heroic Inter side, which has written a new page in history. "El Toro" led his teammates by example, proving his dedication to the Nerazzurri shirt through actions, proudly wearing it at all costs in the second leg after the injury he suffered at Montjuïc.

The story began on Tuesday, April 29, the eve of the first leg: Lautaro was called upon to inspire his teammates, the fans, and all of Inter in the toughest challenge of the Champions League, away to a brilliant and seemingly unbeatable Barcelona, especially on their home turf. The day before the match, Lautaro spoke at the press conference alongside Simone Inzaghi: in his eyes was the desire to face a mighty opponent, without fear, fully aware of the inner strength of this Inter side.

The stadium in Montjuic was ready to push Barcelona to the Champions League final. The players entered the arena and saw a sea of red and blue and tifo: five Champions with the years in which they were won, as well as a sixth without a year, the dream of the Barcelona fans. Lautaro leads the line, he's the first to reach the Catalan message: "Una missió, la Final". The match got underway and Inter controlled the ball. Acerbi played it long and the Captain fought with De Jong before playing it into Thuram. This is the first action that leads to Thuram’s backheel goal: Lautaro had a hand in it, starting off his semi-final first leg with a fight. It was the first of 14 touches he made in the first half—his only ones in the match. A performance made up of 6 successful passes out of 8, four duels, and one defensive clearance: a gritty, hard-fought showing in a very tough match for the forward. The limited numbers were mostly due to what happened in the 43rd minute: an attempt to lead a counterattack, and then a sudden stop. He felt it in his thigh, and Lautaro immediately knew—it showed on his face as he brought his hands to it in despair, realizing his match was over. Lautaro holds on until the halftime whistle, then is forced to come off. The first diagnosis indicated a strain in the left hamstring. Inzaghi, speaking in the post-match press conference, said that it would be extremely difficult to have his captain back for the second leg. And that’s where a new chapter in this story begins—a chapter of pain and hope.

The doubts, the pain and the possibility of not making it for one of the most important games of his career and Inter's recent history: it wasn't a simple couple of days for Lautaro who didn't train with his teammates. It was a race against time, helped by continuous physio sessions. El Toro didn't give up. The Argentine missed the match against Verona, he didn't train on grass but teased the fans with a symbolic social media post: the Captain never gives up, he wants to play at any coast. Monday 5 May, the eve of the match, Lautaro returned to training but the decision was set to be made at the final minute.

Il resto del match è un romanzo di lotta e amore viscerale, amore per il gioco, per la sfida, per i compagni e per i tifosi, quell'amore che ti fa dare tutto ciò che hai: Lautaro colleziona sei duelli, recupera tre palloni, si rende protagonista di un contrasto, un intercetto, due respinte difensive e due falli subiti. La partita del Toro si chiude al 71', dopo aver esaurito ogni energia disponibile: esce tra gli applausi scroscianti del pubblico di San Siro, riconoscente e ammirato per la prova straordinaria messa in campo. Un riconoscimento che raggiunge un livello superiore alla fine della partita: l'impresa è compiuta, l'Inter torna in finale di Champions League per la seconda volta negli ultimi tre anni. L'Inter torna in finale guidata dal suo capitano: Lautaro, esempio, leader e cuore di questa squadra. Match day arrived: when the official lineups were released, Lautaro’s name was there alongside his teammates. The captain made it to lead the Nerazzurri in the second leg against Barcelona. The game was electric, as expected. Inter played their game, built up play, and refused to shy away from exploiting their strengths against Barcelona’s weaknesses. In the 21st minute, Dimarco found Dumfries in behind the defense. The Dutchman, one-on-one with Szczęsny, spotted Lautaro to his left and laid it off: it all happened in a split second. El Toro received the ball and saw the goal wide open. It was his ninth goal of the Champions League campaign, a record for an Inter player. Lautaro’s performance was one of fight, sacrifice, and total commitment: when he’s sent through again, he managed to nudge the ball just in time, drawing a heavy foul from Cubarsí. Penalty for Inter, confirmed by VAR referee Marciniak. The first half ends 2–0 for Inzaghi’s side. The rest of the match read like a story of struggle and passionate love—a love for the game, for the challenge, for his teammates and the fans, the kind of love that makes you give absolutely everything. Lautaro finished with six duels won, three balls recovered, one tackle, one interception, two clearances, and two fouls drawn. His night ended in the 71st minute, after he used every ounce of energy—he left the pitch to a roaring ovation from the San Siro crowd. And the recognition reached a higher level at the final whistle: mission accomplished. Inter are back in the Champions League final for the second time in three years. They return led by their captain: Lautaro—example, leader, and heart of this team.