In a stunning and heart-wrenching revelation that has shaken the football world, Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez has opened up about the final conversation he had with Liverpool forward Diogo Jota—just days before the Portuguese international tragically lost his life in a fatal car accident. The emotional confession comes in the wake of Jota’s sudden passing, which sent shockwaves across the global football community, leaving fans, players, and clubs reeling in grief.
The tragedy occurred only a few weeks after Jota celebrated a major life milestone—his wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso. What should have been the beginning of a new, joyous chapter turned into an unthinkable nightmare. And now, Lautaro Martinez has added another layer of emotional depth to the story, by revealing the very last exchange he had with the Portuguese star.
A Friendship Few Knew About
While football fans around the world knew Diogo Jota for his dazzling footwork, relentless pressing, and goal-scoring flair at Liverpool and for Portugal, many were unaware of the close bond he had developed with Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez.
The two never played at the same club, but struck up a friendship over the years through international friendlies, award ceremonies, mutual friends in football, and a shared admiration for each other’s game. Martinez once referred to Jota in an interview as “one of the most underrated forwards in Europe” and called him “a silent assassin with the ball at his feet.”
Now, as the footballing world mourns the loss of Diogo Jota, Martinez has stepped forward with a stunning revelation that has left fans in tears.
“You Better Not Miss It, Brother”: The Final Message
In an exclusive post-match interview after Inter Milan’s pre-season friendly against Sevilla, a visibly emotional Lautaro Martinez was asked how he was coping with Jota’s passing.
What followed left the football world stunned.
“I still can’t believe it,” Lautaro began, his voice cracking. “We had just spoken a few days before his wedding. He invited me, even joked about me wearing the same tux I wore to my brother’s wedding. He said, ‘You better not miss it, brother.’”
Lautaro paused, clearly trying to contain the flood of emotions.
“I told him I couldn’t make it because we had pre-season obligations, but I promised to video call him after the ceremony. I did. We laughed. He looked so happy. That was the last time we spoke.”
According to Lautaro, Jota ended the call with a message that now carries a haunting weight:
“We’ll catch up soon. Life’s just getting started.”
A Life Cut Tragically Short
Diogo Jota, only 28 years old at the time of his death, was reportedly returning from a short honeymoon trip in the Douro Valley when his car was involved in a head-on collision on the A24 motorway. Portuguese authorities confirmed that Jota was killed instantly, while his wife survived with minor injuries. The incident has led to an outpouring of tributes from across the globe.
Liverpool released an emotional statement:
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota. A humble warrior on the pitch, and a beautiful soul off it. Forever one of us. #YNWA”
Teammates such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah all took to social media to express their heartbreak. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo shared an Instagram story of him hugging Jota after a World Cup qualifier, simply captioned:
“Forever in our hearts, warrior. RIP Diogo.”
Lautaro’s Silent Grief
While tributes flooded in, Lautaro Martinez remained silent in the immediate aftermath—until now. The Inter captain admitted he couldn’t bring himself to speak publicly until the shock began to settle.
“I didn’t post anything at first because I was numb. I still am. He wasn’t just a colleague from afar—he was my friend. We had plans to train together in the off-season. We talked about a charity match. Now he’s gone.”
In a chilling moment, Lautaro revealed a voice note Jota sent him just days before the accident.
“Bro, after the honeymoon, we gotta finally play that FIFA rematch. I won’t go easy on you this time. And don’t duck me again like last summer.”
That message, now etched permanently in Lautaro’s memory, was never replied to.
Fans In Tears as Messages Go Viral
After Lautaro’s interview aired, fans on social media began flooding the internet with tributes not only to Jota’s footballing brilliance but also his quiet, behind-the-scenes friendships with players like Martinez.
“Who knew Jota and Lautaro were this close? This just broke me,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Another posted:
“We talk so much about rivalries, but behind closed doors, these players are just human. Lautaro crying about Jota is the most real moment I’ve seen in football in years.”
One emotional post read:
“He said ‘life’s just getting started’ and then he was gone. That’s going to haunt me forever.”
Klopp’s Personal Goodbye
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, known for his fatherly bond with his players, delivered an emotional press conference from the club’s Melwood training ground.
“We’ve lost more than a player. Diogo was one of the kindest, most hardworking men I’ve ever met. He came to training with a smile, left with tired legs, and never once complained. I can’t begin to process this.”
Klopp paused for several seconds before continuing.
“I just want to thank Lautaro Martinez for sharing his story. Sometimes, in these dark moments, it’s those connections that remind us Diogo lived a full life—even if it was too short.”
A Legacy That Will Live On
Lautaro Martinez concluded his interview with a poignant tribute:
“He was more than a footballer. He was the kind of guy who made you laugh in three languages. He deserved to live a long, happy life. I’ll never forget what he said: ‘Don’t miss it.’ I won’t. I’ll play every game like he’s watching.”
Inter Milan has reportedly decided to honor Jota during their next home match, with Lautaro requesting to wear a black armband and dedicate his first goal to Jota’s memory.
Additionally, UEFA is considering a moment of silence across all major European matches next weekend in memory of the fallen star.
Final Words: A Reminder of Life’s Fragility
The tragic passing of Diogo Jota, and Lautaro Martinez’s emotional recollection of their last exchange, offers a sobering reminder of the fragility of life—even for our greatest sporting heroes.
In a sport often dominated by drama, rivalry, and commercial narratives, moments like these cut through the noise. They remind us that behind the shirts, the goals, and the trophies, are real people with real friendships, real laughter, and real loss.
Diogo Jota may be gone, but through Lautaro’s words, his light continues to shine. Rest in peace, Diogo. You will never walk alone.
