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Manchester United and Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martinez has spoken candidly about his harrowing battle with long-term injuries, revealing that he came close to retiring from professional football. The defender credited the birth of his daughter as the emotional turning point that reignited his motivation to continue his career at the highest level.

Argentina narrowly avoided a major upset in the tournament by defeating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in Miami. The contest was especially meaningful for Martinez, who both scored and provided an assist to help the defending champions progress. The 28-year-old had previously been on the verge of quitting football after suffering a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury during a Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

Following the final whistle in Florida, an emotional Martinez reflected on his long and painful recovery process. He admitted that the birth of his daughter completely changed his outlook during a period when he was close to giving up the sport altogether.

Martinez said: "I start thinking about what happened with my injury and I feel like crying. I don’t even know where I stand. If my daughter hadn’t been born right when I got injured, I don’t know if I’d be here playing today, and today I scored a goal in a World Cup."

His partner, Muri Lopez Benitez, had previously shared how the arrival of their daughter, Aurora, became the main source of motivation throughout his rehabilitation journey. The family’s new chapter gave Martinez the mental balance and focus he needed to make his comeback to competitive football.

In a message posted earlier this year, Martinez and his partner wrote: "How transformative was your arrival into our lives Aurora! From the moment we found out you existed, everything took on another meaning, a deeper one… Waiting to hold you in our arms was wonderful!

"We took care of you so much that it took us to take care of ourselves too. It wasn’t just food and exercise, it was words, calmness, love, awareness, enjoying every second and understanding the way. And when you were ready, we were ready too! It was magic.

"You anchored us to the present. Our attention was so active that every day felt infinite, and time stopped having hours on a clock to have moments in the heart."

Looking ahead, Argentina will need to tighten their defence before meeting Egypt in the round of 16 on Tuesday. Lionel Scaloni’s side appeared shaky at the back against Cape Verde, and Martinez’s composure and passing from defence will be crucial. The upcoming clash with a disciplined Egyptian team, who advanced through a penalty shootout, will pose a stern test of Argentina’s credentials as reigning champions.