Manchester United fans sent two clear-cut messages after “ruthless” Lisandro Martinez’s performance against Canada in the Copa America semi-final on Wednesday.
Lisandro Martinez has played a starring role in Argentina’s Copa America title defence, with the Manchester United defender securing regular playing time.
The 26-year-old United star’s season at Old Trafford was disrupted due to injuries, but Martinez has appeared to be at his best in the heart of Argentina’s defence.
Martinez has been a key defensive figure for Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni at the 2024 Copa America and has played in four of the five matches at the tournament.
The United centre-back has struck up a formidable partnership with Tottenham star Cristian Romero in the heart of defence and the pair have impressed for Argentina.
Argentina have only conceded twice at the 2024 Copa America while Martinez has been on the pitch, with the 2022 World Cup champions now through to the final.
Man Utd star Martinez vs Canada
Lisandro Martinez was widely praised for his performance in the 2-0 win over Canada in the Group A opener before stepping up again in the 1-0 victory over Chile.
The Manchester United star was left on the bench in the final Group A match against Peru after La Albiceleste had secured qualification to the quarter-finals.
Martinez returned to the starting XI for Argentina in the last eight and produced a stunning display against Ecuador, with the former Ajax star scoring in the match.
Argentina defeated Ecuador on penalties to secure their place in the semi-finals of the Copa America, with Lionel Scaloni’s men facing Canada for the second time.
Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez fired Argentina into a first-half lead before Barcelona legend Lionel Messi doubled his side’s advantage at the MetLife Stadium.
Martinez saw out the full 90 minutes alongside centre-back partner Cristian Romero, with the pair picking up another clean sheet for Argentina at the tournament.
Argentina are within touching distance of retaining the Copa America title and will play the winner of Uruguay vs Colombia in the final on 15th July.
Man Utd fans react to Martinez reaching Copa America final
United fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, lauded Martinez for the pivotal role that he has played in Argentina’s Copa America campaign.
Red Devils supporters wasted no time in mocking Arsenal fans over the comparisons made between France defender William Saliba and Argentina centre-back Martinez.
Other United fans were also quick to spotlight the impact that Martinez could have on the Red Devils’ top-four ambitions in the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
“Lisandro Martinez in the finals and big man [William] Saliba in Paris [is] booking a flight to London. Levels,” one fan said.
Another X user added: “If you’ve ever compared Saliba to Lisandro Martinez, apologise right now.”
“If Lisandro Martinez plays in 29/38 Premier League games this upcoming season 2024/25 [sic], I think Man United finishes top [four] easily,” a third tweeted.
Someone else commented: “Lisandro Martinez carrying Argentina into yet another final. My centre-back.”
While a fifth wrote: “Premier League teams need to be prepared for Lisandro Martinez. He is a ruthless but brilliant defender in [one vs one] situations.”
And a sixth posted: “Congratulations to Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho who’ve made it to the Copa America final!”
“Martinez is about to win another trophy and by crucially contributing, but Arsenal fans [are] gonna try and convince [you that] Saliba, who heavily contributed to the French loss tonight, is better. Deluded,” Somebody else added.
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