Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez delivered a sensational performance as Argentina booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde.
Martinez played a decisive role in the thrilling Round of 32 encounter, scoring Argentina’s second goal with a stunning curling strike before setting up captain Lionel Messi with a superb long-range pass that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner calmly converted.
The commanding display marked another milestone in Martinez’s remarkable comeback story after suffering a devastating injury in January 2025 that kept him sidelined until late November.
Reflecting on the difficult period, Softfootball gathered the defender admitted he even considered walking away from football before finding renewed motivation through his family.
“This injury was the worst of all. Then my daughter was born, and everything balanced out. I saw my wife give birth, the effort she made, and I thought: How can I not keep fighting?” Martinez revealed.
The Argentine centre-back also paid tribute to Messi, praising his captain’s relentless desire despite already achieving everything the game has to offer.
“Leo’s story is a great example for me. He’s suffered a lot in his career and never gave up. Today, at 39, he’s still fighting and battling. He’s already won everything; he doesn’t have to prove anything at all. He’s the best player in history, not just in football but in all sports. It’s incredible. And those of us who come after him, how can we not keep fighting? If the greatest of all time does it with this passion, we have to keep going in the same way.”
Martinez’s inspirational return, combined with another masterclass from Messi, proved crucial as Argentina overcame a determined Cape Verde side to keep their hopes of defending the World Cup crown alive.
