Lautaro Martinez makes controversial statement after Inter Milan elimination

Lautaro Martinez created an uncomfortable situation at Inter Milan following their elimination from the 2025 Club World Cup — the team captain launched surprising internal criticism.

“As captain, I must speak up and I see many things I don’t like. We play to pursue important targets. Whoever wants to stay can stay here. Those who don’t want to stay can leave,” Martinez stated.

Inter Milan President Giuseppe Marotta confirmed that the statement was directed at Hakan Calhanoglu — the Turkish midfielder who reportedly wants to join Galatasaray.

“The Club World Cup result was painful but what hit me most were the words that came after it,” Calhanoglu responded to the captain’s criticism.