Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was in fine form as Argentina stepped into the World Cup round of 32 after beating Austria 2-0 on Monday.
Lionel Messi scored his 17th and 18th all-time World Cup goals to become the leading scorer in the competition's history, surpassing Miroslav Klose.
It was not always a walk in the park for the world champions, however, and Austria had several chances to strike back.
Martinez was often the man there to stop them, however, and he will hope to play a key part once again for his nation in the coming weeks.
The 28-year-old's contract situation at Man United is due to be addressed in the coming months, with his future not yet clear.
Martinez's current deal is set to expire next summer, although there is an option to extend it by an additional year.
Licha is #FIFAWorldCup ready pic.twitter.com/TEHC2qGaaw
Martinez joined Man United in 2022 from Ajax, but has not always looked to have been a good signing.
The defender's strong opening season was ended by injury, and really, it has stolen almost the entirety of every campaign since.
The former Defensa starlet returned from an ACL injury in November, and despite missing much of the ending of the season due to a calf problem and suspension, looked to be getting back towards his best.
Monday's display confirmed it, with Martinez completing a tackle, seven clearances, three recoveries, winning four duels and hitting the mark with almost all of his passes.
Argentine outlet TycSports, wrote that the Man United man was "the best defender and one of the best on the team".
Lisandro Martinez amazing performance against Austria tonight!
He always means business when he is on the pitch! pic.twitter.com/Z5wnBcq1Ao https://t.co/1x6pZrHBMJ
"This kid's anticipation is phenomenal," they continued. "Plus, crystal-clear vision when playing out from the back, even for long passes, like the one that put Nicolás González through on goal.
"A fantastic game from the centre-back, formidable in the tackle and the dirty play. A butcher who'll kill you on the pitch and is a sweetheart off it."
When Man United come to weigh up the possibility of handing Martinez a new contract, they will make the decision based on several things.
Initially they will discuss how good the 28-year-old is for the Red Devils, how he will develop in the coming years and how hard he will be to replace.
But the counterarguments will be for how expensive his wages are, how much he is injured and how much Man United could sell him for.
Licha ©️ pic.twitter.com/sEQrAhBKBO
Michael Carrick will presumably have a large say in the final decision, and the situation will be discussed in the coming weeks.
One question has already been answered for the decision-makers, however, and that is the doubt over Martinez's remaining ability.
Continue with Matchday Global
Source: Football Insider
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