Argentina came back from 1-0 down to beat England in the semi-finals of the World Cup on Wednesday night.
Lisandro Martinez of Argentina.(Image: 2026 Eurasia Sport Images)
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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez said Argentina were the team "who played without fear" against England in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
England took the lead in the 55th minute but then started to sit back. Thomas Tuchel replaced Anthony Gordon with Ezri Konsa, which was followed by a defensive double change 10 minutes later, replacing Reece James and Declan Rice with Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly.
Shortly after Tuchel's double substitution, Lionel Messi assisted the equaliser, and he recorded another assist for Lautaro Martinez's match-winner in added time.
Tuchel has been widely criticised for his negative substitutions, but the England boss said he did not have regrets at full-time, adding: “It’s easy to say my decisions were wrong after the defeat”.
United defender Martinez played the full match, and he said his nation played without fear.
Speaking after Argentina's victory, Martinez said: “I won’t lie to you, we’re all Argentinians, and we experienced it like the fans. We knew the magnitude of this game and went for it from the first minute.
"We had to suffer because they’re a very tough opponent, but in the end, we’re always the ones who take the initiative, the ones who play without fear, and the ones who want to win.”
Gary Neville criticised Martinez's partnership with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero in the build-up to the game.
DSports asked Martinez about the criticism, and he responded: "We're used to people always talking about us. It seems like they like doing it, and we respond on the pitch, that's it, always with respect."
Romero added: "The only thing that I hope for is that when I retire, I am not that stupid. Hopefully I won't criticise a player or anyone.
"Because at the end of the day, we are doing our best for our national team. Sometimes it goes right for us, sometimes badly, but we are just happy to be in a World Cup final again.
"I think we are making history, for us it is something really huge, and we feel the significance of this shirt like no one else."
Martinez is set to start as Argentina take on Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday. After that, he will have a post-World Cup break before reporting back for pre-season with United.
United were linked with a transfer for Romero at the start of the window, but well-placed sources were quick to say the Reds have no interest in the Tottenham defender.