Lautaro Martínez, one of the most prominent forwards in modern football, has a little-known story in the sports world. Despite being a coveted target for Spain’s three football giants—Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid—the Argentine never signed with any of them, even though he came very close on multiple occasions. 

It all started during his time at Racing Club in Argentina, where Real Madrid was the first to show interest. The Merengues, led by Santiago Solari at Castilla, attempted to secure his signature while Lautaro was still in his home country. In an interview, Lautaro admitted that, despite the offer, he didn’t feel ready to take such a significant step away from home. “They offered me a contract, but I didn’t feel prepared,” the striker explained, choosing to remain in Argentina at that stage of his career.

In 2018, Atlético Madrid emerged as a more concrete option. Lautaro had already completed his medical and even signed a contract with the Colchoneros. However, just as the deal seemed finalized, an unexpected twist changed his fate. Piero Ausilio, Inter Milan’s sporting director, later revealed that Lautaro chose not to activate the clause binding him to Atlético, allowing Inter to swoop in and sign him instead. “Lautaro was an Atlético player, but luckily he decided not to proceed with the deal. We moved quickly and convinced him to join us,” Ausilio said.

Barcelona also pursued the striker, and in 2020, he was on the verge of signing with the Catalan club. Lautaro admitted in several interviews that he even discussed the possibility of playing at Camp Nou with Lionel Messi. However, Barcelona’s financial troubles at the time ultimately derailed the transfer, and Lautaro opted to stay with Inter Milan, where he has been a key player since his arrival.

Although his move to Spain never materialized, Lautaro has proven himself to be a world-class striker. His goal-scoring ability is undeniable, as demonstrated by his stunning goal against Peru in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers—a strike that allowed him to equal Diego Maradona’s goal tally for the Argentine national team. With 32 goals for La Albiceleste, Lautaro continues to shine in every appearance, whether for his club or his country.

The year 2024 has been nothing short of spectacular for Lautaro. After leading Argentina to victory in the Copa América, the Inter Milan captain closed the year with outstanding performances, accumulating goals and assists that have solidified his reputation as one of the best forwards in the world. Despite Spain’s top clubs vying for his signature, Lautaro has remained committed to his project in Italy, consistently showcasing his immense talent. 

In a football world full of unexpected decisions and surprising turns, Lautaro Martínez exemplifies how paths can shift at the last moment. The striker who could have played for Spain’s big three remains a vital figure for Inter and a cornerstone of the Argentine national team, proving that what doesn’t happen in the past can sometimes pave the way for an even brighter future.