In 2/2025, a knee anterior cruciate ligament injury forced Lisandro to leave the field in tears on a stretcher while playing for Man Utd against Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. Severe pain and a lengthy recovery period, coupled with frequent career interruptions due to injuries, led the defender, born in 1998, to consider retirement.
Following Argentina's victory over Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 16, Lisandro revealed that the injury in early 2025 was the worst of his career. Fortunately, his daughter Aurora's timely birth helped restore balance. "I watched my wife give birth. Seeing her efforts made me think, ‘How can I stop fighting?’", Lisandro told Argentina's TyC Sports television. "Without them, I do not know if I would be standing here. This victory is for her and our daughter".
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Argentina national team and Man Utd player Lisandro Martinez (left) with his wife Muri Lopez Benitez (right) and daughter Aurora on 14/3. Photo: Instagram / lopezbenitezmuri |
On 3/7 in Miami, US, Lisandro returned to the starting lineup after missing the group stage's final match against Jordan. Despite being a defender, he delivered a strong performance, scoring one goal and assisting one, with a 98% passing accuracy, 74 touches, and 21 passes into the opponent's final third.
In the 29th minute, the 1,75 m tall defender executed a long pass into the penalty area for Messi to open the scoring. In extra time, Lisandro seized an opportunity in the box after a corner kick, firing the ball into the roof of the net to make it 2-1. "At that moment, I started thinking about the injuries and wanted to cry", Lisandro stated.
Contrary to expectations of an easy match, Argentina endured 120 difficult minutes against newcomer Cape Verde in the round of 16. They led two times but were equalized on both occasions. However, Cristian Romero's header, which deflected off Diney Borges, helped the defending champions advance.
Lisandro acknowledged that the African representatives gave their all, but Argentina deserved the win due to their resilient spirit, never giving up or losing focus. "Knockout matches are like that. You cannot be complacent", the 28-year-old defender said. "We prepared for every situation, endured suffering, challenged ourselves, and today we overcame in the best way possible".
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Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez celebrates a goal in the 92nd minute during the 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in the World Cup 2026 round of 16, at Miami Stadium, US, on 3/7. Photo: AP |
Lisandro also cited Messi as an example, admiring his ability to fight under pressure before achieving everything. He affirmed that Messi is the greatest athlete in history, with inspiring stories. "If the best player of all time works with such passion, we must continue in the same way", Lisandro added.
In the round of 8, Argentina will face Egypt, who drew Australia 1-1 then won 4-2 on penalties, on 8/7 Hanoi time.
Trung Thu (according to TyC Sports)
