Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez delivered a sensational efficiency as Argentina booked their place within the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde.
Martinez performed a decisive function within the thrilling Spherical of 32 encounter, scoring Argentina’s second aim with a surprising curling strike earlier than establishing captain Lionel Messi with an outstanding long-range move that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner calmly transformed.
The commanding show marked one other milestone in Martinez’s exceptional comeback story after struggling a devastating harm in January 2025 that saved him sidelined till late November.
Reflecting on the tough interval, Softfootball gathered the defender admitted he even thought-about strolling away from soccer earlier than discovering renewed motivation by means of his household.
“This harm was the worst of all. Then my daughter was born, and the whole lot balanced out. I noticed my spouse give beginning, the hassle she made, and I assumed: How can I not preserve preventing?” Martinez revealed.
The Argentine centre-back additionally paid tribute to Messi, praising his captain’s relentless need regardless of already attaining the whole lot the sport has to supply.
“Leo’s story is a superb instance for me. He’s suffered lots in his profession and by no means gave up. At the moment, at 39, he’s nonetheless preventing and battling. He’s already gained the whole lot; he doesn’t should show something in any respect. He’s the very best participant in historical past, not simply in soccer however in all sports activities. It’s unbelievable. And people of us who come after him, how can we not preserve preventing? If the best of all time does it with this ardour, we have now to maintain getting into the identical manner.”
Martinez’s inspirational return, mixed with one other masterclass from Messi, proved essential as Argentina overcame a decided Cape Verde aspect to maintain their hopes of defending the World Cup crown alive.
