Inter’s position on Lautaro Martinez was made clear before any negotiation could begin: Barcelona’s interest reached the club directly, but the captain was not available for discussion. Joan Laporta revealed that he personally contacted Beppe Marotta about taking the Argentine striker to Catalonia, only to find a firm refusal from the Nerazzurri executive.
Inter close the door on Lautaro
Laporta described Lautaro as an outstanding footballer and said he admired the player, but the exchange with Marotta did not develop into a transfer conversation. There were no intermediaries involved; the two club figures spoke directly.
- Laporta called Marotta to express Barcelona’s wish to have Lautaro in their squad.
- Marotta interrupted the approach by stating that the Inter captain was not for sale.
- He also made clear that the decision over a departure would not be left to the player alone.
- Laporta said he immediately ended the matter, believing there was no basis on which to continue.
The Barcelona president stressed that the two maintain a relationship built on mutual trust. For that reason, he said, he did not press the issue further, out of respect for Marotta and Inter.
Lautaro remains one of the defining figures in Inter’s present cycle, both as captain and as the centre-forward around whom the club’s ambitions are judged. Barcelona’s enquiry therefore became less a transfer pursuit than another indication of the standing he holds beyond Serie A.
A possible Champions League meeting
Laporta did not rule out the prospect of facing Lautaro in Europe instead. He said a Champions League encounter with Inter could happen and would be an enjoyable occasion, while underlining how important the competition is to Barcelona.
The Champions League, he said, remains his principal ambition. Having already celebrated many trophies as Barcelona president, he wants to add another European title and also see the club’s new stadium project completed, viewing it as central to Barcelona’s future.
Laporta on Como, Fabregas and Barcelona’s direction
The Barcelona president also offered warm words for Cesc Fabregas and the work being carried out at Como. The former Barcelona midfielder has brought a recognisable football culture to the Italian club, in Laporta’s view.
- Laporta said Fabregas is doing an excellent job at Como.
- He praised the coach’s mentality and his understanding of Barcelona’s philosophy.
- He believes that approach has been carried into Como’s project.
- Laporta said the clubs share a similar style and suggested a future Champions League meeting would be appealing.
- He added that Como are growing quickly and possess high-level players.
Even so, Laporta insisted Barcelona are content with their own head coach, saying the club loves him and that he has delivered major satisfaction.
Yamal’s Ballon d’Or case
Laporta also placed Lamine Yamal at the front of the Ballon d’Or conversation. He believes the young Barcelona forward deserves the award, is first in the race and has reached the right moment to win it.
He compared Yamal’s ability to the qualities supporters associated with Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Neymar: players capable of entertaining crowds at the highest level. Laporta added that Johan Cruyff has always been one of his personal favourites, while calling Messi the greatest footballer in history without any room for argument.
