Lautaro Martinez backs Julian Alvarez after Atletico Madrid block Barcelona move

Lautaro Martinez has offered his support to Argentina team-mate Julian Alvarez after Atletico Madrid refused to allow the striker to leave for Barcelona last summer.

Atletico Madrid rejected the possibility of Alvarez joining Barcelona, deciding not to release the forward during the summer transfer period. The decision has now prompted a comment from Lautaro, who plays alongside Alvarez for Argentina.

The issue has emerged as Lautaro and his Inter team-mates prepare for their next UEFA Champions League fixture, an away match against Real Madrid. Inter will face Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu, with the game scheduled to start at 22:00 Moscow time on 8 September.

Alvarez remains at the centre of the matter because Atletico Madrid’s position prevented a move to Barcelona from taking place. The club’s refusal meant the Argentina international was not allowed to leave for the Catalan side last summer.

Lautaro’s remarks are significant because of his close connection with Alvarez at international level. Both forwards are members of the Argentina national team, although they represent different clubs at domestic level. Lautaro plays for Inter, while Alvarez is an Atletico Madrid player.

The comments come while Lautaro’s immediate focus is on Inter’s Champions League meeting with Real Madrid. The Italian club is preparing for the visit to Santiago Bernabeu, where the match will take place on 8 September.

For Alvarez, the blocked transfer remains the central point of the discussion. Atletico Madrid’s decision kept him at the club and prevented Barcelona from completing a move for the striker last summer. Lautaro has now publicly expressed his backing for his international team-mate.

The upcoming Champions League match provides the immediate sporting context for Lautaro’s comments. Inter are preparing for a demanding away fixture against Real Madrid, while the subject of Alvarez’s proposed move to Barcelona has drawn attention because of Atletico Madrid’s firm stance.

No further details about the rejected move or the precise terms of Lautaro’s comment are given in the source account. The facts remain that Atletico Madrid refused to let Alvarez join Barcelona last summer, and that Lautaro Martinez has addressed the situation while preparing with Inter for their Champions League trip to Real Madrid.

The fixture at Santiago Bernabeu is due to begin at 22:00 Moscow time on 8 September. Before that match, Lautaro and the other Inter players are continuing their preparations, with the forward’s support for Alvarez forming the latest development in the story surrounding the Atletico Madrid striker’s failed move to Barcelona.