Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez will return to Manchester next week as a World Cup winner. In a social media post, the Argentina has thanked international teammate Lionel Messi for his efforts towards guiding the country to a third World Cup triumph.
Martinez played a key role in Argentina’s run to the World Cup final, but was unlucky to miss out on getting some minutes in the final win over France. In turn, he has been given extra time away from United to recover, though Erik ten Hag has admitted the player needs to be ready for the game despite his celebrations.
In an Instagram post, Martinez wrote a message of thank you to Lionel Messi for his incredible efforts at the World Cup — and throughout his career to help Argentina qualify for other major tournaments, winning the Copa America against Brazil last time out.
Martinez wrote: “On and off the court an example for all. Thank you Leo for being our leader towards this great dream we achieved. Simply the best footballer ever!!”
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The Manchester United star labels Messi the ‘best footballer ever’, which I don’t think any of our readers will disagree with…
Martinez and other Argentina players already owe a lot to Messi, but now they are seen as World Cup winners which is something that will stick with them for the rest of their lives.
Ten Hag is fully aware that it could be a challenge to reintegrate players back into the squad, although that wasn’t on the case on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup when United beat Burnley 2-0 at Old Trafford. Casemiro was terrific in the heart of defence alongside Victor Lindelof.
Martinez strikes me as a professional character and I reckon he will be buzzing to get back on the pitch – starting games at least – for United.
