Lisandro Martinez is already a World Cup winner and now he finds himself in the semi-final again with Argentina.
Back in 2022, Lisandro Martinez was a Manchester United player when he lifted the World Cup in Qatar with Argentina.
Since then, Martinez recovered from a serious injury that even made him contemplate retirement. But his return to fitness has been extraordinary and now he has been a key player in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup run.
Martinez starred for Argentina against Switzerland in the quarter-finals, playing the full 120 minutes of their 3-1 win. His performances on the international stage have been so impressive that there will be ramifications back in Manchester.
WHAT A PERFORMANCE by Lisandro Martinez 🔥 How would you rate his World Cup campaign for Argentina? 🇦🇷
His World Cup performances suggest he is one of the best in the world, but we've seen otherwise at Manchester United
Lisandro Martinez is becoming undroppable for club and country
Martinez made 18 appearances for United in 2025/26, floating in and out of the team depending on his fitness and availability.
There was a consensus that Martinez could be sold, or at the very least demoted to being a squad player under Michael Carrick.
With the likes of Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro ready to step up, there was a feeling among the United fanbase that Martinez could get pushed out.
But make no mistake, Martinez has been one of Argentina’s best players at the World Cup this summer. He was rested against Jordan in the group stage but has otherwise played every minute of their tournament so far.
Against Switzerland, Martinez was the only Argentina player in the backline who wasn’t substituted, and his performance was excellent with nine defensive contributions and 10 duels won.
Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are injured too frequently – Should either or both be sold in the summer?
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Lisandro Martinez must start for Manchester United in 2026/27
Martinez’s performances remind me of when Pep Guardiola referred to him as one of the best five centre-backs in the world.
Guardiola made that claim in 2022, but it is still relevant today. When Martinez is fit, he is in among the best defenders on the globe.
READ MORE: Analysing Lisandro Martinez’s performance in Argentina’s 3-2 win over Egypt
Heading into 2026/27, Martinez is proving that his fitness has improved, and his performances speak for themselves. Under Carrick, he has to start.
Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Yoro and Heaven can compete for the other starting spot alongside Martinez in the heart of defence.
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