Lisandro Martinez has revealed he considered retiring before this summer’s World Cup.
Argentina are through to the last 16 of the World Cup after a tough battle against Cape Verde which saw Cristian Romero score in extra time to avoid a penalty shootout.
Martinez grabbed a goal and an assist in the tie, proving to be a hero on the night which left him in tears after the final whistle in what was an emotional moment for the 28 year old.
The Manchester United star spoke honestly about why he was so upset as he revealed he was so close to retirement after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament last year.
“When I think about everything I went through because of my injury, it makes me want to cry”, told TyC.
“I was considering retirement from football after I suffered ACL injury last year. I just didn’t want to suffer anymore, you know?
“I was really hit low, but then my daughter was born, and that kind of balanced everything out for me.
“I saw how my wife gave birth and the immense effort she made, and I said to myself: How am I not going to keep fighting?.”
Argentina’s next opponents will be Egypt, who eliminated Australia on penalties earlier in the day to reach the last 16. Martinez will start the clash once more, another game he could have missed if his injury had been more serious.
🚨🩵🤍 Lisandro Martínez: “Leo Messi is a massive example because he has suffered a lot throughout his entire career, he has suffered losses and he never gave up”, told ESPN.
“Today he is here at 39 years old, fighting, battling, he has already won everything, he has absolutely… pic.twitter.com/op8Rw5iT6L
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2026
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