Argentina’s World Cup run hasn’t been clean. Two goals conceded in each of the last two matches. A controversial win over Egypt in the Round of 16 that had fans and players screaming about the refs. But Lisandro Martinez isn’t interested in that conversation.
The Manchester United defender, who started four of Argentina’s five games this tournament, told reporters Tuesday that the officials are doing just fine. When asked about criticism of the refereeing in the Egypt match — where a second-half goal by the Pharaohs was wiped out by VAR after a foul on Martinez in the buildup — he basically shrugged it off.
“No, absolutely nothing,” Martinez said when asked if he had any issues with World Cup officiating. “I think they are doing an excellent job. That’s something for you, the media, who sometimes generate the controversies. We concern ourselves with giving our best on the pitch and nothing more.”
FIFA’s top ref backs the crew
Pierluigi Collina, the legendary Italian official who now runs FIFA’s refereeing department, has also defended the match officials from that game. He insisted all calls were correct. So the people who actually know the rulebook are on the same page as Martinez.
The 28-year-old Argentine has been a rock for Lionel Scaloni’s side this summer. He notched a goal and an assist in the Round of 32 dismantling of Cabo Verde, and his passing completion rate sits above 90% across all four starts. Not bad for a guy who spent half of last season recovering from an ACL injury.
Switzerland up next
Argentina faces Switzerland in the quarterfinals, and Martinez isn’t taking them lightly. The Swiss knocked off Colombia in the Round of 16 and have looked organized and physical throughout the tournament.
“If Switzerland are at this stage, it’s because they have a lot of merit,” Martinez said. “We watched their match against Colombia and they always try to play. They are very strong physically and also from set-pieces. I think it will be a great spectacle because both teams try to play.”
That “both teams try to play” part might be a subtle dig at Egypt, who spent large chunks of that Round of 16 match defending deep and looking for counters. But Martinez isn’t the type to stoke drama. He’s here to defend, pass clean, and let his play do the talking.
Argentina has work to do defensively — allowing two goals in back-to-back games isn’t how you win a World Cup. But with Martinez anchoring the back line and United manager Michael Carrick surely watching closely, the Butcher has plenty of motivation to keep proving his value. Both for his country and for a Manchester United side trying to rebuild.
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