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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez delivered a performance to remember, matching Lionel Messi’s influence in Argentina’s hard-fought 3-2 victory against Cabo Verde in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The reigning world champions entered the match on a high, having won all three of their group stage fixtures.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to the starting lineup that had beaten Jordan 3-1 in their final group stage encounter. Among the returning players was Martinez, who has been a pillar of consistency for La Albiceleste throughout the tournament.

Martinez impressed in Argentina’s opening group game against Algeria, helping the team keep a clean sheet in a commanding 3-0 win. The defender, nicknamed “The Butcher,” also contributed to another shutout in their 2-0 victory over Austria.

Scaloni chose to rest Martinez in the match against Jordan, as qualification to the knockout rounds had already been secured. The 28-year-old, who enjoyed an excellent second half of the season with Manchester United, demonstrated once again why he remains a key figure in Michael Carrick’s plans for the upcoming campaign.

Argentina faced a disciplined Cabo Verde side that offered little space in the attacking third. The breakthrough came when Martinez played a precise long pass to Lionel Messi, who scored his record 20th World Cup goal in the 29th minute to put Argentina ahead.

However, La Albiceleste’s night did not go as smoothly as expected, as Cabo Verde equalised through Deroy Duarte in the 59th minute. The Blue Sharks pushed the game into extra time, forcing Argentina to dig deep.

In the 92nd minute, Martinez found himself in the right place at the right time. A Messi corner dropped to him, and with one composed touch, he unleashed a strike that underscored his technical quality and composure under pressure.

Cabo Verde refused to give up and levelled once more thanks to a spectacular goal from Sidny Lopes Cabral. But their hopes were dashed in the 111th minute when Diney inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, sending Argentina through to the Round of 16.

Martinez proved decisive on both ends of the pitch. He was deeply involved, recording 131 touches—second only to Enzo Fernandez’s 133. The defender completed 120 passes with an incredible 98% accuracy rate, made one key pass, and created one big chance, which Messi converted. Out of six attempted long balls, five found their target. He also registered one shot on target and successfully completed one dribble.

Defensively, Martinez was nearly flawless. He was not dribbled past once, made six clearances, one interception, and one block. He won one of his two ground duels and two out of three aerial duels, losing possession just four times.

According to Sofascore, these numbers highlight Martinez’s complete performance and his importance for both club and country. With his contract set to expire in 2027, INEOS may want to consider initiating renewal discussions soon to secure his long-term future at Old Trafford.