Tearful Lautaro Martinez Explains His Emotional Response To Scoring In Argentina's 3-0 Win

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez broke down in tears after netting in the side's 3-0 win over Uraguay on Monday morning.

The forward was visibly emotional while sitting on the bench, after being replaced late in the game.

His anguish sparked rumours online that Martinez had picked up an injury - hence why he was taken off by manager Lionel Scaloni.

However, in the aftermath of the crucial home win in Buenos Aires, the 24-year-old explained to the media exactly why he was so overcome by the occasion.

When asked why he had been crying, he replied: "For my daughter, my family, more than anything for that.""I thought of my family who were at the stadium, that's why I got emotional. That is sacrifice, to leave many things aside."

After leaving his native Argentina in 2018 to link up with Inter Milan, the player hasn't had too many opportunities to play in front of his home fans since.

On Monday, however, with the stands full, Martinez finally had the chance to score in front of his family.

"My family has always accompanied me and I will forever be grateful for that," Martinez added.

Argentina's win promotes them to second in the South American World Cup qualifying group.

They remain six points behind table-toppers Brazil, but are also six points ahead of Ecuador and Uruguay in third and fourth place respectively.

Monday's victory was vitally important for the home side, who had missed a raft of early chances in the tie.

However, the qualities of one Lionel Messi soon told, with the PSG star handing Argentina a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute.

Rodrigo De Paul added a second, before Martinez sealed the three points in style on the hour mark, scoring his 16 goals for his country in the process.

Featured Image Credit: TyC Sports

Topics: Lautaro Martínez, Argentina, World Cup, Uruguay, Inter Milan

Tom Fenton