Captain Martinez Wants to Win

Brazilian side Fluminense pulled off a major upset in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 by defeating Italian giants Inter Milan 2–0. After the match, inter captain Lautaro Martinez didn’t hold back, openly criticizing his teammates.

“Those who want to stay, stay. Those who don’t, don’t have to be here,” Martínez said. “I saw many things I didn’t like. I want to win.”

His strong comments came after a tough season where Inter finished runners-up in both the Champions League and Serie A. The frustration seems to have carried over into the Club World Cup.

Following their humiliating 5–0 loss in the Champions League final, Inter replaced their head coach with former defender Cristian Chivu. After this latest defeat, Chivu backed Lautaro’s remarks, signaling deeper issues within the team.

The result also marked another powerful statement from South America in the tournament. With this win, Fluminense became the second Brazilian club to reach the quarterfinals, showing the growing strength of South American football.

Fluminense striker Everaldo said after the match, “We’re showing the world that South American football is world-class too.”

Fluminense will now face the winner of Manchester City vs. Al Hilal in the quarterfinal, set to take place on Friday in Orlando, Florida.

All four Brazilian teams that entered the tournament made it to the Round of 16, and with both Fluminense and Palmeiras already through to the last eight, South America is making a strong impact on the global stage.