Lisandro Martinez is notorious for his tough style of play. But it is his emotional side that makes him a very special player for Argentina and Manchester United.
Lisandro Martinez couldn’t be too happy. After beating the Netherlands on penalties and reaching the semi-finals, the Argentine defender lost a load and was overwhelmed by emotions. “It was amazing. I was relieved because we didn’t deserve to be eliminated like that because we were much better. I want to hug everyone – the players, the coaching staff, everyone“, Martinez said tearfully in an interview with the local TV station “DEPORTV”.
Argentina had led 2-0 but apparently felt too safe and let the Netherlands close in again. An emotional ending followed, which Martinez watched from outside after being substituted in extra time. His fears were finally allayed with Lautaro Martinez’s final penalty.
Heroic feat in the round of 16
The defender knows all too well the role of the bench player in this World Cup. Although he was used in four games, he was only twice in the starting XI. Nevertheless, Martinez convinced in Qatar and was even the big hero in the round of 16 against Australia (2:1). Aziz Behich started a brilliant solo in the 80th minute, but was denied by Martinez, who was able to block the ball with a mixture of sliding tackle and flying in – and secured Argentina’s victory.
It’s actions like these that Martinez are always celebrated for where he plays. The 24-year-old is known for his passionate game, he will because of that “The Butcher” (The butcher) called. He’s a real fighter, one you really want on your team and you definitely don’t want to play against.
Manchester United fan favorite
That’s why he’s with Manchester United also become a crowd favorite within a few months. In the summer, Martinez moved from Ajax Amsterdam to the “Red Devils” and accompanied coach Erik ten Hag from the Netherlands to England. The left-footed player has played every game since then, was in the starting XI in 21 of 24 competitive games – and is celebrated by the fans with “Argentina” chants.
“I am really happy. I’m a bit surprised, but at the same time I’m very proud“Said Martinez last time on club TV.”Coming here to the best club in the world and people are chanting ‘Argentina, Argentina’, it’s incredible. Thanks to the fans for the support.“
A blessing for every team
Martinez’s influence extends far beyond the pitch, however. He’s one of the tough players on the pitch, but off the field he’s a man with a heart. This is particularly evident in our day-to-day interactions. In Manchester he always goes out to eat with different groups of players so that no groups form and no players become isolated. Martinez is an absolute team player and gives everything to keep the team together.
And that’s how he does it in the Argentine team. The fact that he’s on the bench at times doesn’t matter, he subordinates everything to the common goal of becoming world champion. This was also shown in the TV interview after the Netherlands game. “So proud to be Argentinian and part of this group“, Martinez later wrote on Instagram. And with this group he wants to celebrate the world title in the end.