Argentina was 15 minutes from getting bounced from the World Cup. Then Lisandro Martinez did what he’s been doing all tournament: he made the big play.
The Manchester United center back set up Lionel Messi for the opening goal, scored one of his own in extra time, and helped Argentina storm back from a 2-0 deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. It was the kind of game that reminds you why Martinez is one of the most reliable defenders in world football right now.
Egypt came out swinging. Yasser Ibrahim put them ahead in the 15th minute, and when Mostafa Ziko scored in the 67th, it looked like Argentina’s title defense might be over. The reigning champions were on the ropes. But Martinez and the rest of the backline held firm while Messi started working his magic.
Messi set up Cristian Romero in the 79th minute, then scored himself four minutes later. Enzo Fernandez bagged the winner in the third minute of stoppage time. Argentina escaped with a 3-2 win that could have gone either way.
Martinez finished with 76 touches, completed 94% of his passes, won seven of nine ground duels, and cleared everything that came near him. According to Sofascore, he also had two tackles, two interceptions, and seven clearances. For a guy who missed a chunk of last season with injuries, he looks fully sharp when it matters most.
The bigger picture here: Martinez’s form could be huge for Manchester United next season. With Casemiro gone, United’s dressing room needs leaders. Martinez has that edge. He played every minute of Argentina’s group stage games against Algeria and Austria, and he’s only gotten better as this tournament has gone on.
Fans will be watching closely. If Martinez stays healthy and brings this level of play back to Old Trafford, United’s defense looks a lot more stable than it did last spring. But first, Argentina has a quarterfinal to play. And if Martinez keeps playing like this, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone.
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