Lautaro Martinez says Julian Alvarez is enduring a difficult spell at Atletico Madrid

Lautaro Martinez says his Argentina team-mate Julian Alvarez is going through a difficult period at Atletico Madrid, while acknowledging that the club’s president ultimately decided against allowing the striker to leave.

Martinez, the Inter Milan forward, discussed Alvarez’s situation during a news conference before Inter’s match against Real Madrid. He said the Atletico Madrid player remained a close friend and expressed hope that Alvarez would return to the level he has consistently shown throughout his career.

“Julian is my friend. It is not an easy moment for him, but the decision was made by his club’s president. I hope he continues to show the level he has always shown,” Martinez said.

Alvarez pushed for a move to Barcelona during the summer transfer window, but Atletico’s management refused to sanction a sale. As a result, he remained with the Madrid club and continued as a player for Atletico Madrid.

The comments come as attention also turns to the international future of Lionel Messi, after the Inter Miami star decided to retire from international football.

Martinez said Argentina’s players had understood that the moment would eventually arrive, while stressing the significance of Messi’s decision for the national team and everyone connected with it.

“We all knew this time would come. It was big news because of what Leo means to the team and to all of us. I will carry with me everything he taught us,” Martinez said.

Messi’s international retirement represents an important change for Argentina, given his influence on the team and the personal impact he has had on his colleagues. Martinez’s comments reflected both the expectation that the decision was approaching and the emotions surrounding the end of Messi’s international career.

For Martinez, the discussion brought together two issues involving fellow Argentines: Alvarez’s uncertain situation at Atletico Madrid and Messi’s departure from the international stage. While Alvarez remains with Atletico after the club rejected Barcelona’s interest, Messi’s decision has closed his time with Argentina, according to his former team-mate.

Martinez spoke about both players ahead of Inter’s meeting with Real Madrid, offering support for Alvarez during what he described as a challenging period and paying tribute to the lessons he had received from Messi.

The Inter Milan striker’s remarks underline the different circumstances facing the two Argentina forwards. Alvarez wanted a transfer during the summer, but Atletico Madrid insisted he stay. Messi, meanwhile, has chosen to end his international career after a period in which his importance to Argentina had become central to the team and its players.