Lisandro Martinez names 'most beautiful shirt in the world' after 598 day absence

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is celebrating an emotional return.

Martinez spent 10 months on the sidelines, and his recovery time to play for United was genuinely impressive.

It has been an even longer wait at international level.

Martinez’s United return came after the three international windows at the start of 2025/26.

He then suffered a calf injury in February 2025 that meant he missed the March international friendlies for his country too.

Now after a very long wait, Martinez has made his international comeback.

Who are you most excited to watch?

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Lisandro Martinez loves playing for Argentina

Lisandro Martinez was called into Argentina’s World Cup squad despite not playing a single minute during qualifying.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni trusts him and Martinez is in line to start at the World Cup.

Martinez played 63 minutes in Argentina’s friendly win over Honduras, even attempting a spectacular overhead kick.

Posting on Instagram following the win, Martinez reflected on the length of time he waited between his appearances for Argentina.

He wrote: “598 days later. Everything was worth it.

“What a happiness to wear the most beautiful shirt in the world again.”

Martinez’s passion for his country shines through in his message and he is looking to help Argentina retain the World Cup they won at 2022.

It was important for him to get a game under his belt before they kick off their World Cup defence on June 17 against Algeria.

Criteria: They don't need to have been playing for Man Utd at the time of their World Cup heroics

Martinez’s previous game for Argentina came in October 2024 when Argentina beat Bolivia 6-0.

It has been a long wait for him to get back to the international stage, and he has timed it perfectly.

Martinez is ready to embrace his chance!