Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is celebrating winning the Copa America.
Lisandro Martinez played a key role during the Copa America as Argentina defeated Colombia in the final.
Argentina conceded just one goal all tournament, with the Manchester United centre-back forging a superb partnership alongside Cristian Romero.
Martinez made Manchester United supporters proud – yet there is one group of people who are even prouder.
- READ MORE: Who is Lisandro Martinez? Step inside the life of Manchester United’s tenacious Argentine
Lisandro Martinez a hero in Gualeguay
Lisandro Martinez hails from the Argentine town of Gualeguay, situation in the region of Entre Rios, where he is revered as a hero.
Martinez made an emotional return to Guaelguay after winning the 2022 World Cup. He was mobbed by crowds as he showcased his winner’s medal.
Now, Martinez has won another international tournament, the 2024 Copa America, in which he played an even bigger role.
One of the town’s senior figures, provincial deputy Juan Manuel Rossi, has paid tribute to the Argentina and Manchester United defender.
He hailed him as the best player in his position in the world, hailing his winning mentality and inspirational character.
Rossi was quoted via Analisis Digital: “Above Lisandro’s other great achievements, being a multiple champion in the European Major Leagues in both the Netherlands and England, it is necessary to highlight the virtuosity of this young man from Entre Ríos, not only for his playing in such a popular sport in the highest world competitions, but also for the path he had to take since his beginnings in the youth divisions in his native Gualeguay.
“It is unquestionable that from the projection that was given to him from his origins in a humble family, the essential quota of sacrifice, desire for improvement and perseverance was fostered in his personality, to underpin those inherent virtues and become the best player in the world in his position.”
Martinez achieves in the face of setbacks
Lisandro Martinez’s commitment to Argentina has not been in doubt. At times to the frustration of Manchester United supporters. Twice last season Martinez flew away with the Argentine national team when he might have been better served staying in Manchester to rehabilitate his injuries.
Last season was a frustrating one, Martinez suffered multiple injuries. Now he gets a deserved rest ahead of pre-season.
Despite a difficult 2023/24, Martinez has ended it in the best way possible, winning two major trophies.
He returned in time to play the FA Cup Final, and he produced a towering performance to shut down Erling Haaland, and help Manchester United achieve a 2-1 win over rivals City.
Then in the Copa America, Martinez featured as a starter throughout the tournament, battling hard defensively and even popping up with a goal.
His achievements for club and country are even more praiseworthy considering the adversity he has batled this past year, physically, and the mental toll they will have taken too.
The claim that Martinez is the ‘best player in the world’ at his position is not an exaggeration. Ask yourself this? Which player would you genuinely rather have?
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