Private Security Patrolled Martinez’s Home After Falklands Banner Row

Lisandro Martinez arranged private security at his home following the fallout from Argentina’s controversial World Cup semi-final victory over England, with Sun journalist Samuel Luckhurst reporting that the United defender and Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister both took precautionary measures amid heightened tensions.

Luckhurst reports that security personnel were on patrol at both players’ properties for two days after England’s 2-1 semi-final defeat, with emotions running particularly high given the political dimension of what followed the final whistle. United were not involved in arranging the detail for Martinez’s residence, and no attempts to vandalise either property were made.

The match itself was a remarkable affair. England took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute before appearing to sit back and invite Lionel Messi and company to come at them – a decision they paid for when Messi provided two assists in the 85th and 90+2 minutes to complete a stunning Argentina comeback.

Lionel Messi and teammates celebrate winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Banner Incident

What grabbed the wider headlines, though, was what happened after the whistle. A number of Argentina players – Martinez among them – held up a banner reading ‘The Falklands are Argentina’s,’ a gesture that drew predictable and fierce condemnation from the English media and supporters.

The act landed in a wider context of scrutiny over Argentina’s conduct throughout the tournament. Martinez and his compatriots had already faced criticism for their use of so-called dark arts tactics, a style that carried them deep into the competition before Spain ultimately proved too much in the final.

Martinez has become something of a cult figure at United since his 2022 move from Ajax, and that reputation is unlikely to be diminished by the banner controversy.

Lisandro Martinez in action for Manchester United.

Pre-Season Picture

According to the primary source report, Martinez is currently on holiday and due to return to United for pre-season training. The security arrangements reflect the heightened atmosphere that followed the semi-final, and the fact that no vandalism attempts were made at either property will have come as a relief to all concerned.