Martinez’s World Cup Campaign and Injury
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez recently addressed criticism directed at the Argentina national team following their campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Martinez insisted that there was no real reason for people to dislike the national team.
Argentina faced Spain in the final, with Spain securing a second World Cup title. The outcome of the match was overshadowed by criticism regarding Argentina’s conduct during the tournament. Some observers accused the team of playing too aggressively, and several incidents, including those during the final and the team’s celebrations, led to debates about player behaviour.
Martinez described the criticism as an unjustified campaign against Argentina. He stated that claims of arrogance from the Argentine team reveal more about the critics than about the players themselves. He maintained that the team has consistently shown respect towards every opponent they have faced.
The defender’s comments followed controversy surrounding incidents involving players and officials, including a FIFA probe into a banner displayed during the team’s semi-final celebrations. Martinez had also previously responded to criticism after the final defeat, noting on social media that “the fall of the great is the happiness of the mediocre.”
Despite the criticism, Martinez reiterated that Argentina’s players believe they have always respected their opponents. He suggested that the controversy has unfairly influenced perceptions of the team.
Injury Concerns and Fan Opinion
Martinez sustained an injury during the World Cup final against Spain, being forced off just before half-time. This injury adds to a challenging period for Martinez at Manchester United, where he made 18 Premier League appearances last season due to various injury problems and a suspension.
Despite his injury history, Martinez appeared to regain his form during the World Cup with Argentina, establishing himself as a preferred centre-back and starting in the final. Following his latest injury, a survey was conducted asking supporters whether Manchester United should keep Lisandro Martinez.
Out of 5,024 respondents, 58 per cent voted ‘No’, believing the club cannot afford to keep a player who is frequently injured. Conversely, 37 per cent voted ‘Yes’, acknowledging his unreliability but highlighting the team’s improved performance when he is available. Only 5 per cent were undecided.
Martinez is currently on his post-World Cup break, and the full extent of his injury is not yet known. However, there is optimism that the injury will not result in a prolonged absence. Reports suggest that Martinez is expected to return in time for the start of the season.
Another Manchester United centre-back, Matthijs de Ligt, has been out of action since November 2025 due to a back injury that required surgery. De Ligt, who played 13 Premier League games before his last appearance, is expected to have a longer recovery period than Martinez, potentially returning in autumn.
The club is preparing for a significant domestic and European campaign in the 2026/27 season and aims for a fully fit squad. De Ligt’s extended absence might prompt Manchester United to consider defensive reinforcements, though the club’s current focus appears to be on securing a third midfield signing following the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
Martinez’s comments to Foot Mercato were made on Monday.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
As News-GB.org's Sports Reporter, Eleanor Vance reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name on long-form athlete profiles. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Bath and completed an NCTJ diploma. Eleanor lives in Bath, where she swims competitively and follows British athletics. “A profile is only as good as the questions behind it.”