Argentina media rate Lisandro Martinez’s display against England

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The Peoples Person

16 July 2026

Manchester United will have a representative at the 2026

FIFA

World Cup

following Argentina’s 2-1 win over England in the semi-final on Wednesday, 15 July. Lisandro Martinez, who was outstanding for the Red Devils in the second half of last season, started the game and played 72 minutes before being substituted.

The Butcher has been indispensable for La Albiceleste at this summer’s tournament, starting all but one game so far. However, Martinez was

not his usual self

against the Three Lions, perhaps hindered by a booking he picked up in the 41st minute.

Thomas Tuchel’s side took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon and had one foot in the final before an Argentine storm, inspired by Lionel Messi, blew them away. The diminutive magician teed up Enzo Fernandez to score the equaliser before sending in a pinpoint cross for Lautaro Martinez to head home.

La Albiceleste

have subsequently set up a mouth-watering 2026

final against Spain this weekend. Meanwhile, Argentina’s press have now provided their opinion on

Lisandro Martinez’s

performance against England.

Martinez earned a 6/10 rating from

TyC Sports

, who wrote: “He may have struggled in the air, but his performance on the ground was flawless; he linked up very well with Tagliafico down the left flank. The yellow card may have affected him slightly, and he was substituted.”

El Sol

also praised the Butcher, handing him a similar rating while noting: “It was a quiet match for the

Manchester United

centre-back. He was substituted in the second half after picking up a yellow card.”

La Pagina Millonaria

were a little more critical of the United man, opting to give him a 5.5/10 rating. The Argentine publication also noted that the player was not as influential as his previous games, stating: “He was solid in his passing, but struggled in one-on-one situations.”

“He was booked in the 41st minute for cutting out an England counter-attack. He made a few mistakes and wasn’t able to be the reliable centre-back he had been in recent matches.”

Speaking to

after the game, Martinez shared his delight at reaching the final. He said: “I’m not going to lie to you – we’re all Argentinians and we experience it just like the fans do. We knew how important this match was and we went out to win it from the very first minute.”

“We had to dig deep because they’re a very tough opponent, but in the end we’re always the ones who take the initiative, the ones who play without fear and the ones who want to win.”

“What we achieved today will go down in history and was a real treat for every Argentine. That’s what fills our hearts: that people feel a sense of connection and see a team on television that truly represents them. We’re just one step away, but for now we’re going to enjoy what we’ve achieved.”

Source:

Transfermarkt

Martinez missed the first half of last season with an ACL injury, but appears to have brushed his fitness issues aside at the summer’s spectacle. The

Argentine’s

impressive run at the

will delight United fans and generate hopes for the upcoming campaign.

Featured image by Michael Steele/Getty Images

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