Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez has shared an emotionally touching message after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Chile in their World Cup qualifier.
Lisandro Martinez and Manchester United teammate Alejandro Garnacho have been called up for international duty during the September break.
The 26-year-old United defender was in impressive form during Argentina’s successful Copa America title defence in the United States in the summer.
Martinez forged a formidable partnership with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero at the 2024 Copa America, with the United star stepping up for his country.
The Argentina international was in the starting XI for the World Cup qualifying clash on Friday at the River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires.
Martinez played 79 minutes for La Albiceleste against Chile before he was withdrawn and replaced by River Plate defender Marcos Acuna.
Martinez’s message after Argentina win
Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister fired Argentina into the lead early in the second half before former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez doubled his side’s advantage.
Paulo Dybala then netted in injury time thanks to an assist from Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho, who made a superb impact in his cameo appearance.
Former United star Angel Di Maria was present for the Chile match and the Benfica player received an emotional send off at the River Plate Stadium.
Angel Di Maria, who lifted a World Cup title and two Copa Americas with Argentina, retired from international duty in the summer after the 2024 Copa America.
Lisandro Martinez took to Instagram and paid tribute to former Argentina teammate Di Maria for “absolutely everything,” with the United star calling him a “legend.”
“Exciting all we live [sic],” he wrote.
“Thank you [Angel Di Maria] for absolutely everything, you are a legend!!!
“Thanks to all the people who came to encourage us. Come on [Argentina]!!!”
Di Maria, who was in tears during his tribute at the River Plate Stadium, wasted no time in responding to Martinez’s high praise on Instagram.
“Gracias amigo,” he simply wrote, adding three heart emojis.
Lionel Scaloni on Argentina star Martinez
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni explained why Martinez was deployed in a three-man backline alongside Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero for the Chile clash.
Speaking after the match, he told TyC Sports: “The decision that Ota did not play in the cup was purely football, and today we decided that he was going to play because the side theoretically we were going to use it little, we were going to have the lane with Nico Gonzalez and Lisandro there gave us a good pass and we thought it was appropriate that we could play with the three, not three centre-backs because Lisandro in the end defended on the wing just like Nahuel [Molina].
“We defended with four, but we did try Lisandro’s pass. I think he played a good game in a position that is not his, and Ota we know that when we call him to the cause he is always there and that is what the team needs.”
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