Lautaro Martinez launched a scathing attack at an unnamed player after Inter's Club World Cup exit, but Hakan Calhanoglu was revealed as the target.

Dressing Room Divides: Lautaro Martinez Sends Message as Hakan Calhanoglu Edges Closer to Inter Exit

Inter’s Club World Cup disaster sparks captain’s fury and reveals deeper problems in Simone Inzaghi’s squad

When Inter were unceremoniously dumped out of the FIFA Club World Cup by Brazilian side Fluminense, the fallout was always going to be messy. But few expected it to unravel quite this dramatically. A shock 2-0 defeat in the round of 16 was followed by something even more startling: captain Lautaro Martinez publicly calling out the commitment of some of his teammates—and sending a clear message that not everyone belongs in the black and blue anymore.

His words were blunt. “Whoever wants to stay, stay. Whoever doesn’t want to stay must go,” the Argentine forward declared in a post-match interview. It was the kind of rallying cry captains often make after a disappointing result—but there was something more pointed in Lautaro’s tone. Something personal.

The hidden target revealed: Calhanoglu in the spotlight

Martinez stopped short of naming names, but it didn’t take long for the intended target to emerge. Inter president Giuseppe Marotta later confirmed that the comments were aimed at Hakan Calhanoglu, the Turkish international who was left out of the squad entirely for the Club World Cup and has been linked heavily with a summer switch to Galatasaray.

Marotta, speaking to Sport Mediaset, defended Lautaro’s right to speak out and admitted that Calhanoglu’s situation is being handled internally.

“Lautaro, as captain, has highlighted some truths,” Marotta said. “If a player wants to leave, it’s right that he does. Calhanoglu has not formally asked to go, but we know what’s happening. We will talk with him and find the best solution for all parties.”

It was a clear nod toward what many had suspected—Calhanoglu’s time in Milan may be coming to an end.

The captain’s message: passion or pressure?

Lautaro Martinez has worn the Inter armband with pride since inheriting it from Samir Handanović. A fan favourite, a proven goal scorer, and a vocal leader, he’s been one of the key pillars in Inter’s recent resurgence under Simone Inzaghi. But this outburst marked a more assertive side of his leadership style—a line in the sand moment.

“We are fighting for an important shirt and we have to fight for important goals,” Lautaro said. “I saw many things I didn’t like. As captain, I have to speak. I want to fight because we’re a great team. We’ve returned to the top, and I want to stay there.”

For supporters, it was the kind of fire that feels like a badge of honour. For those within the dressing room, it may have stung.

The Calhanoglu dilemma: heart in Istanbul?

Calhanoglu’s omission from the Club World Cup squad raised eyebrows even before the defeat. The 31-year-old midfielder has not played a single minute in the competition, and his silence since the loss has spoken volumes. The Turkish international has never hidden his admiration for Galatasaray—Turkey’s most successful club—and it now appears that childhood allegiance could become professional reality.

Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek added fuel to the speculation fire recently when he confirmed he had spoken to Calhanoglu—though he insisted it was a casual chat, not an official approach.

“Hakan is the pride of our nation,” Ozbek said. “Every club would want him. But we did not have a transfer meeting. We simply exchanged greetings.”

Still, the writing seems to be on the wall.

From key man to expendable asset?

FC Internazionale Milano v Fluminense FC: Round Of 16 – FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Calhanoglu joined Inter in 2021 after controversially crossing the Milan divide from AC Milan. Over the last three seasons, he’s been a vital component in Inzaghi’s midfield, bringing creativity, experience and a wicked set-piece delivery. His performances in the Champions League run last season were particularly impressive.

But football, especially at the top, is often a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business. And with Inter looking to refresh their midfield ahead of the new season—and reduce their wage bill—it’s no surprise that a veteran on a substantial salary could be moved on.

Calhanoglu’s form dipped toward the end of the campaign. With murmurs of discontent growing and Galatasaray circling, Inter may feel now is the right time to cash in—especially if they can line up a younger replacement.

What next for Inter?

Inter’s early exit from the Club World Cup marks a disappointing end to what had otherwise been a positive year for the Nerazzurri. After reaching the Champions League final in 2023 and securing the Serie A title in 2024, the Milan giants had hoped to cap it off with international silverware. Instead, they return to Italy licking their wounds.

The next few weeks will be pivotal. Calhanoglu’s future will need to be resolved, Lautaro’s leadership will be under the microscope, and Inzaghi will have to rally a group that suddenly looks fractured.

A summer rebuild could be on the cards, with Inter already exploring midfield reinforcements. Davide Frattesi is expected to take on a bigger role next season, while the club continues to be linked with younger talents in Italy and abroad.

Final thoughts: passion or power play?

Lautaro’s comments were bold, perhaps even risky. Publicly calling out a teammate—especially one as high-profile as Calhanoglu—is always a gamble. But it may also have been necessary. Captains are meant to lead, and sometimes leadership means making uncomfortable truths known.

Whether Calhanoglu departs or not, the tone in the dressing room has shifted. Unity will now be as important as talent if Inter want to stay on top domestically and push forward in Europe.

In the end, it’s not just about who wears the shirt—it’s about who’s willing to fight for it.