"I thought about retiring. I couldn't stand the pain anymore." Words from Lisandro Martinez, the true hero of Argentina's qualification for the round of 16. Because against Cape Verde, he set up Lionel Messi's goal and then scored himself to make it 2- 1. A dream haul for a centre-back, especially considering he arrived at the World Cup with more doubts than certainties.
It's worth remembering that on February 3, 2025, he suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and, after a long rehabilitation period with the Manchester United specialists, he returned to the pitch 292 days later. With the Red Devils last season, he also suffered a calf injury and a suspension that prevented him from finding consistency.
Yet, once he was certain to be among the players selected by Lionel Scaloni, the 28-year-old from Gualeguay answered the call, thanks also to the support of his family. Not to mention, he started in the last three Premier League matches. And for an Argentine, there is no greater love than the one felt for the national team. Especially when you've been living in Europe for a long time.
FIFA World Cup 2026
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From backup to game-changer
With Cristian Romero an undisputed starter at centre-back, the other spot was up for grabs between Licha and Nicolas Otamendi, a veteran with many medals to his name. Yet, contrary to what was expected at the start of the World Cup, Lionel Scaloni confirmed his tactical flexibility by benching Benfica's centre-back to give United's man a chance. The decision aimed to keep more possession and, above all, to have a left-footed centre-back who could help the build-up play flow more smoothly from the back.
What no one expected, however, was the impact he would have on the team's play and chemistry. Being able to play out from the back with a left-footed defender gave the Albiceleste more speed and clarity in their passing game. Always known for his ability to find effective passing lanes, the centre-back has always focused on his vision and anticipation, especially considering his height is not exactly imposing.
Rock'n roll and politics
Now, with the match against Egypt approaching, Licha is ready to continue his World Cup adventure as a protagonist. Compared to Emiliano and Lautaro, he is the Martinez with the least hype, but in just one match, he surpassed the Inter striker in offensive stats at this World Cup. After all, with his warrior spirit, this was to be expected and more. Licha is known at home not only for his passion for the shirt, but also for his political and social commitment.
His commitment has also been shown in defending historical memory. Every March 24, the anniversary of the 1976 coup in Argentina, he publicly supports the popular marches for remembrance. Even as a young footballer, he showed his support for the campaigns led by the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, who, since the 1978 World Cup, have marched in front of the Casa Rosada wearing white headscarves to denounce the disappearance of their children, later tragically known as the Desaparecidos.
In sports, Martinez has also taken a stand in the debate over the introduction of Public Sports Companies (SAD), rejecting the privatisation of clubs. Above all, he has defended the social, cultural, and community role that these institutions have historically played in Argentina. And from which the current national team players have emerged.
His celebration after the goal against Cape Verde, dedicated to Argentine rockstar "El Indio" Solari, who died before the start of the World Cup, immortalised an iconic performance in his career.
And if Argentina can dream of a fourth title today, they owe it to this young man from Entre Ríos who once thought about retiring but then came back. And today, he answers the call loud and clear. A rock'n roll voice.