Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio, the 28-year-old centre-forward — currently leading the Serie A Golden Boot race with 16 goals this season — opened up on the influences that have shaped his approach to the game and the younger player he believes carries something of the same spirit.
On his time alongside Messi with the Argentina, Lautaro was precise about what set the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner apart from everyone else.
"What he does on the pitch we all see — it seems like he is playing a different sport. What impresses me, though, are his training sessions. Leo wants to win every practice game and be the best at every exercise. These are things that stay with you, especially when you are young, and I try to bring that here to Inter."
He then turned to Pio Esposito, the 20-year-old Italian forward who returned to the club this season after two loan spells at Serie B side Spezia and has since scored important goals in victories over Pisa, Juventus and Lecce.
"He used to play in the Primavera but would come to train with us. He was always polite, he asked questions, he said thank you. A humble boy who wants to learn. And he still is. He had no fear — and that is the most important thing. It makes all the difference when you arrive in the first team."
Lautaro was specific about what distinguished Pio Esposito during his breakthrough season.
"The attitude he always had when it was his turn to come on. I think about the games against Pisa, against Juventus — where he scored an important goal — and against Lecce. In his first season he showed great personality. He has really helped us a great deal."
Pio Esposito is considered non-transferable by Inter this summer alongside Lautaro himself, as head coach Cristian Chivu plans a significant rebuild of an ageing squad.
The standards Lautaro absorbed from Messi are now being passed on at San Siro. Whether Pio Esposito becomes the player those standards demand is the question the next few seasons will answer.