Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has broken his silence regarding the injury he picked up in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The 28 year old was part of the Argentina team that reached the final of the summer’s spectacle but lost 1-0 to Spain.
Martinez played a key role in La Albiceleste’s impressive run and was subsequently included in the 2026 FIFA World Cup team of the tournament. He was the only United player to make the cut.
The Argentine was in spectacular form in the tournament until the final, where he picked up an injury late in the first half and had to be replaced. Lionel Scaloni’s team were already struggling to assert their influence on the pitch, and their ball-playing centre-back’s departure further crippled their tactics.
Lisandro Martinez Stats: 2026 FIFA World Cup
Matchday Date Opponent Result Position Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards Minutes Played
Group J 17/06/26 Algeria 3–0 CB - - - - 90'
Group J 22/06/26 Austria 2–0 CB - - - - 90'
Group J 28/06/26 Jordan 3–1 On the bench - - - - -
Round of 32 04/07/26 Cape Verde 3–2 AET CB 1 1 - - 120'
Round of 16 07/07/26 Egypt 3–2 CB - - - - 90'
Quarter-Finals 12/07/26 Switzerland 3–1 AET CB - - - - 120'
Semi-Finals 16/07/26 England 2–1 CB - - 1 - 42'
Final 20/07/26 Spain 1–0 AET CB - - 1 - 44'
Source: Transfermarkt.
Martinez has been equally decisive for United since arriving at the Theatre of Dreams from Ajax in the summer of 2022. However, injuries have hampered his chances of a regular run in the first team, with the player missing the first half of last season with an ACL injury.
Martinez’s injury record at United
Martinez had a decent fitness record during his time with Ajax, missing 12 games through injuries for club and country during his three-year stay before arriving at Old Trafford. However, the Argentine suffered a metatarsal fracture in the tail-end of the 2022/23 season that saw him miss 14 games.
Less than a month into the new season, Martinez picked up a foot injury that kept him out of action until the turn of the year. He also suffered a knee injury and a calf strain before the end of the 2023/24 campaign, but came back in time to help secure a 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
The Butcher appeared to have put his injury woes behind him during the 2024/25 season, missing just one game due to a back issue until January 2025. Unfortunately, Martinez suffered an ACL injury at the beginning of February that ruled him out for the season.
Lisandro Martinez injury history with United
Season Injury From Until Days Games Missed
26/27 Hamstring injury 19/07/2026 - 5 days -
25/26 Calf injury 23/02/2026 08/04/2026 45 days Manchester United, Argentina (8)
24/25 Cruciate ligament injury 03/02/2025 21/11/2025 292 days Manchester United, Argentina (44)
24/25 Back problems 23/11/2024 25/11/2024 3 days Manchester United (1)
23/24 Calf strain 02/04/2024 01/05/2024 30 days Manchester United (6)
23/24 Knee injury 04/02/2024 29/03/2024 55 days Manchester United, Argentina (9)
23/24 Foot injury 21/09/2023 04/01/2024 106 days Manchester United, Argentina (26)
22/23 Metatarsal fracture 14/04/2023 30/06/2023 78 days Manchester United, Argentina (14)
Source: Transfermarkt.
Martinez returned to full fitness in November and played a key role in United’s third-placed finish in the Premier League. While the Argentine was excellent at the 2026 World Cup, his latest fitness setback has raised questions about his future, especially since his contract expires in 2027. He has now provided an update on his future.
Martinez opens up on United future
Speaking to Cronica, Martinez thanked fans for their encouraging messages and support during a difficult time. He said: “First of all, I’d like to thank everyone for their messages and support during this difficult time.”
“I can see that many of you are disappointed, and I know that many of you have been praying for my speedy recovery – that means the world to me. Losing with Argentina in the World Cup hurt a lot, but these things happen in football.”
The Butcher went on to insist that he is working to get back to full fitness, adding: “Injuries are part of the game, and right now I’m focused on getting back to 100 per cent.”
Martinez also acknowledged United’s role in his career and insisted that he remains committed to repaying them on the pitch. He concluded: “I’m working hard every day to come back stronger for the new season with Manchester United. This club and the fans have given me everything. I can’t wait to repay them on the pitch. Thank you for your support. See you soon at Old Trafford.”
Final Thoughts
Martinez has always been influential for United when fit, and he proved his worth once again at the World Cup. However, given the Argentine’s injury record, INEOS will have to think carefully before deciding his future.
Featured image by Michael Steele/Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.