Martinez scores and assists as Argentina edge Cape Verde 3-2 in World Cup thriller

Lisandro Martinez delivered one of his finest performances in an Argentina shirt as the reigning world champions edged Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the World Cup 2026 round of 64, with the Manchester United defender scoring and setting up a goal to earn widespread acclaim from the Argentine press.

Argentina were pushed all the way by the minnows and needed the full 120 minutes to secure their place in the last 16, where they will face Egypt. Lionel Messi netted his seventh goal of the tournament, but it was Martinez who emerged as one of the standout figures — providing the assist for Messi’s opener and then finishing coolly from close range to make it 2-1 in extra time.

The goal came from an unlikely position. Messi crossed from the left, Alexis Mac Allister flicked on at the near post, and Martinez arrived at the far side to fire a composed left-footed finish past goalkeeper Vozinha. Argentine outlet La Nacion noted that “the Manchester United defender positioned himself like a striker” to convert the chance.

Clarin gave Martinez a nine out of ten and named him among Argentina’s best players, with writer Diego Provenzano noting: “He once again proved he’s exceptional, both in his clean distribution and, especially, in his ability to play the ball between the lines, as seen in that long pass to Messi for the goal. He then provided another assist and remained one of the best players until the end of extra time.”

Pagina 12 echoed the sentiment, describing Martinez as “a standout performer for the national team, providing a magnificent assist for Messi’s opening goal and scoring one himself later on.”

The performance carries added significance given the difficult club season Martinez endured at Manchester United, one he described as “very tough” after the final whistle. “I don’t want to think about those things, I try to keep it to myself,” he said. “Thanks to my club and the national team. I’m truly very happy.”

For United supporters, the sight of a fully fit and influential Martinez — completing 120 minutes at the highest level — will offer genuine encouragement ahead of next season. The 28-year-old has now demonstrated that when available, he remains one of the best centre-backs in the world game.