Lisandro Martinez was the hero for Argentina as they defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in the World Cup round of 32, helping his nation avoid a major upset. The Manchester United defender scored in extra time and provided an assist for Lionel Messi, delivering a standout performance that underscored his value to both club and country.
Martinez's Emotional Journey Back from Injury
"I was considering retirement from football after I suffered an ACL injury last year," an emotional Martinez admitted after the match. The 28-year-old has faced a tough time with injuries since moving to Old Trafford, but in Miami he proved why he was right not to give up. His display against Cape Verde was a testament to his resilience and quality.
Martinez enjoyed an excellent 98 per cent pass accuracy, including 21 passes into the final third from centre-back. He also completed 74 carries over the course of the game, showing no fear in advancing the ball. Defensively, he contributed six clearances and four ball recoveries, helping Argentina survive a tense encounter.
World Cup Form Reinforces His Status
This performance was not a one-off. Throughout the World Cup, Martinez has been in top form. He played the full 90 minutes against Algeria and Austria, keeping two clean sheets, and was rested against Jordan for the knockout stages. After Friday night, his starting spot for Argentina is secure, but questions remain about his role at Manchester United.
United have threatened to move on from Martinez during his injury absences. While he was missing for nearly all of 2025, other defenders stepped up. Matthijs de Ligt became a first-choice centre-back until a back injury halted his momentum. Harry Maguire enjoyed a new lease of life under Michael Carrick and earned a new contract. Meanwhile, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven positioned themselves as the future of United's defence.
Competition at United and Future Prospects
This raises the question of where Martinez fits into United's plans. He started and finished all three of United's final matches of the season, but it is difficult to make a point when the job has already been done. Due to injuries and suspensions, Martinez played fewer than half of United's Premier League matches last season. Such a return does not guarantee a new contract offer, and with his current deal expiring in 2027, next season was always going to be make or break.
But Martinez is showing this summer that he can still be the defender United need. Maguire will be 34 when next season ends, and nobody is sure whether De Ligt will return to his pre-injury form. While Yoro and Heaven are United's future, the Reds will need experience, and at 28, Martinez can offer that. If he can stay injury-free and replicate his World Cup form in the Premier League, there is no reason he cannot earn a new deal.
There was debate among fans over whether United needed to buy another centre-back this summer given their defensive issues last season. However, there was never a suggestion from the club that they were open to selling Martinez, and he looks back to his best at the World Cup. The international tournament has provided Martinez's United career with a boost when he needed it most.
