Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was as decisive as Lionel Messi in Argentina’s gritty 3-2 win over Cabo Verde in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. La Albiceleste arrived at the game in good form, having won all three of their group stage games.
Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to the starting XI that secured a 3-1 win over Jordan in the final group stage game. Among the players recalled was Martinez, who has been rock solid for the reigning world champions at this summer’s spectacle.
Martinez was excellent for Argentina in the opening group stage game against Algeria, helping keep a clean sheet in the 3-0 win. The Butcher also helped his national team remain impregnable against Austria, where they secured a 2-0 win.
Scaloni simply opted to rest Martinez against Jordan in the final game, with qualification to the knockouts secured. The 28 year old enjoyed a stellar second half of the campaign for United and on Friday, he showed why he remains firmly in Michael Carrick’s plans ahead of the new season.
Martinez inspires Argentina victory
Argentina were up against a compact Cabo Verde side who afforded them little space in the final third. That was until Martinez delivered an inch-perfect long ball to Lionel Messi, who scored his record 20th World Cup goal to send Argentina ahead in the 29th minute.
However, it was hardly a comfortable night for La Albiceleste, who were stunned when the Blue Sharks equalised through Deroy Duarte in the 59th minute. Despite Argentina’s best efforts, Cabo Verde took the game to extra time. That was when Martinez stepped up again.
In the 92nd minute, the ball fell to Martinez from a Messi corner. The United man took one touch to steady himself and unleashed a finish that underlined his all-round ability.
Cabo Verde were not done, though, as they equalised again through a stunning strike from Sidny Lopes Cabral. However, an own goal from Diney in the 111th minute broke their hearts and enabled Argentina to progress to the Round of 16.
United man proves his worth for Argentina
Martinez turned out to be decisive for Argentina at both ends of the pitch on Friday. The Butcher was heavily involved, managing 131 touches of the ball, second only to Enzo Fernandez (133).
Martinez attempted 120 passes with an astonishing 98% completion rate and registered one key pass. He also created one big chance, which Messi converted, while five of his six attempted long balls were accurate. The Argentine had one shot on target and completed one dribble.
Martinez was near flawless at the back and was not dribbled past once in the entire game. He registered six clearances, one interception and one block. The Butcher won one of his two ground duels and two of three aerial duels, but lost possession four times.
Lisandro Martinez Stats vs Cabo Verde
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Shots on Target | 1 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.05 |
| Shots off Target | 0 |
| Shots Blocked | 0 |
| Dribbles (Successful) | 1 (1) |
| Clearances | 8 |
| Blocked Shots (Def.) | 6 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Tackles (Won) | 1 |
| Dribbled Past | 0 |
| Touches | 131 |
| Accurate Passes | 117/120 |
| Pass % | 98% |
| Key Passes | 1 |
| Crosses (Acc.) | - |
| Long Balls (Acc.) | 6 (5) |
| Duels (Won) | 5 (3) |
| Ground Duels (Won) | 2 (1) |
| Aerial Duels (Won) | 3 (2) |
| Possession Lost | 4 |
| Fouls | - |
| Was Fouled | - |
| Offsides | - |
| Notes | Big chances created: 1 |
Source: Sofascore.
Final Thoughts
Martinez showed once again why United can rely on him to marshal the backline next season. However, with the Argentine’s contract due to expire in 2027, perhaps INEOS should plan for renewal talks soon.
Lisandro Martinez’s game by numbers vs. Cape Verde:
98% pass accuracy
74 carries (!!!)
21 passes into the final third (!!!)
6 clearances
4 ball recoveries
5 progressive carries
0 x dribbled past
1 goal
1 assistWHAT A PLAYER. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/LHylYNQEQj
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 4, 2026
Featured image by Michael Steele/Getty Images
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