Argentinian media agrees on Lisandro Martinez after ‘spectacular’ moment
Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez played for Argentina ahead of the World Cup
Argentinian media have delivered their verdict on Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez as he staked his claim ahead of the World Cup. The 28-year-old played a key role in his nation’s 2-0 triumph over Honduras.
The centre-back cemented his spot in Lionel Scaloni’s squad despite enduring yet another disrupted campaign at Old Trafford. He missed the opening portion of the season through injury, and a subsequent calf problem further restricted his playing time.
Martinez made 18 league appearances for United and started the final three matches of the season, keeping his World Cup ambitions firmly on track. He was part of the Argentina squad that lifted the sport’s most coveted prize in 2022 and delivered an encouraging display against Honduras ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez broke the deadlock for the reigning world champions from the penalty spot before Atletico Madrid’s Giuliano Simeone doubled the advantage after the interval. United’s Martinez helped his side maintain a clean sheet while also producing an eye-catching moment in the opposition’s box.
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It was a notable outing for the defender, who had last featured for his nation back in October 2024. As Martinez fights for a place in the starting line-up at the World Cup, here is how the Argentinian press assessed his performance against Honduras.
Clarin
A match report from Clarin handed Martinez a rating of six for his efforts, having encountered little threat from the Honduran attack. His score was matched by centre-back partner Nicolas Otamendi following a clean sheet.
Martinez was described as being “solid defensively” and encountered no difficulties before being withdrawn for Cristian Romero shortly after the hour mark. Yet it was his involvement in the opposition penalty area that drew the most attention.
The defender “surprised everyone” with an overhead kick in Honduras’ box. Despite his effort going over the crossbar, the report noted it was nearly a “spectacular goal”.
La Nacion
The Argentine outlet also awarded Martinez a six but branded him a “dedicated soldier”. La Nacion lauded the United star for his “great intensity” and for “never letting up”.
Martinez demonstrated he was “agile” after coming close to finding the net with a bicycle kick. The publication also commended his physical condition following his earlier injury concerns.
The match report noted: “After several injuries that hampered his playing time at Manchester United, he looks fit and ready whenever needed.” Martinez will be keen to catch the eye of boss Scaloni, having played in five of Argentina’s seven matches at the previous World Cup.
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