Lautaro Martínez has sent shock and surprise through the football world after his sensational comments following Inter’s defeat to Fluminense in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Club World Cup. After a match in which Inter surprisingly lost to the Brazilian side, the Argentine striker publicly called on UEFA to subject Fluminense defender Thiago Silva to a doping test. His request was prompted by a series of observations about the exceptional physical and athletic performance of the veteran Brazilian defender, who, despite his advanced age, had played an extraordinary match.
Martínez, who did not hide his frustration with the result, said in a press conference: “Thiago Silva had an incredible performance, and I can’t help but notice that he seems almost superhuman for his age. For the transparency of the game, I think it is right that he is subjected to a doping test.” Lautaro’s words immediately sparked an incredible reaction from fans, the media and even other players, with many people starting to speculate on the possible validity of the accusations.
The Inter captain continued to say that Inter’s defeat could not be attributed only to the skill of Fluminense, but also to the fact that some individual performances, such as that of Thiago Silva, were above the norm. His request for an anti-doping test has brought to the fore the debate on how some players, as the years go by, can maintain such high physical performances, inevitably arousing suspicion among the most skeptical.
UEFA, after receiving Lautaro’s request, acted promptly to subject Thiago Silva to an official doping test. The news had everyone in suspense, as the outcome of such a test could have seriously affected the player’s integrity and his career. However, the official results, after days of waiting, were finally released and surprised everyone: Thiago Silva tested negative for all banned substances.
Martínez, surprised by the results, later released a statement in which he publicly apologized to Thiago Silva and Fluminense for the accusations. “I sincerely apologize for questioning Thiago Silva’s professionalism and integrity. I acted impulsively due to frustration over the defeat, but after the test results, I realize that I made a mistake. His performance was impressive, and he deserves all the respect,” Lautaro said.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the role of mental and physical pressure in top-level football, leading many to question how emotions can sometimes influence players’ decisions and statements. Despite Lautaro’s admission of error, the incident has left a stain on the competition and increased tension between the two clubs. Thiago Silva’s future and his career have not been called into question, but the incident has certainly shone a light on the psychological and physical difficulties that accompany competing at such a high level.
