"Never hugged me this much" - Inter Milan star makes claim as Serie A Instagram handle post pic of Lautaro Martinez embracing Lionel Messi

Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram has replied to a post of his club teammate Lautaro Martinez embracing Lionel Messi at Copa America. The Argentine duo are currently competing in the tournament in the United States of America, hoping to win La Albiceleste's third consecutive major trophy.

Thuram plays alongside Martinez for the Nerrazzurri and together they helped the side claim its 20th Serie A title last season. The Frenchman joined last summer from Borussia Monchengladbach and scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in his 46-game debut campaign.

Martinez was also a lethal presence in attack for Inter, scoring 27 goals and providing seven assists in 44 appearances in the 2023-24 season. He has taken his fine form to Copa America, where he has scored two goals in two games.

Thuram and Martinez have a great relationship on the pitch, forming a lethal strike partnership. The Frenchman, who is at Euro 2024, joked about their off-pitch relationship, suggesting that Martinez shows more love to Argentine captain Lionel Messi.

Under a picture of Lautaro Martinez hugging the Inter Miami star on Instagram, Thuram commented:

"You've never hugged me this much."

Both Inter Milan stars will be keen to claim continental glory this summer with their respective countries and have made it to the knockout stages of their respective competitions.

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Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez scores to take Lionel Messi-led Argentina to Copa America quarterfinals

Argentina secured a 1-0 win against Chile in their second match of the group stage, thanks to Lautaro Martinez's 88th minute strike. As a result of the win, Lionel Messi-led Argentina have qualified for the quarterfinals of Copa America.

The reigning champions created several chances against Chile but were unable to find the back of the net till the dying moments of the game. La Albiceleste had 62% possession and out-shot their opponents 22-3.

Lautaro Martinez came on as a substitute for Argentina and had a massive impact in his 17 minutes on the pitch. He completed 100% of his passes and scored the deciding goal.

In Argentina's campaign opener against Canada, the Inter Milan striker was introduced as a 76th minute substitute and scored in the 88th minute to seal a 2-0 win for his side.