Argentina blow as Lisandro Martinez goes off injured before half-time in World Cup final

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·20. Juli 2026

Argentina blow as Lisandro Martinez goes off injured before half-time in World Cup final

Lisandro Martinez was forced off injured shortly before half-time in Argentina’s World Cup final against Spain in New York on Sunday.

The Manchester United centre-back, 28, went off on 44 minutes with an apparent right thigh problem and was replaced by 38-year-old Nicolás Otamendi. It was a blow for Argentina, L'Équipe notes.

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Moments earlier, Martinez had been booked for a strong tackle from behind on Mikel Oyarzabal. He was the only Albiceleste player cautioned in a tight opening period.

Martinez had featured in seven of Argentina’s eight matches at the tournament, missing only the third group game, a 3-1 win over Jordan.

Argentina largely defended well in the first half, although they were imprecise in possession.

Source: L'Équipe