Lisandro Martínez: Argentina still hungry for more silverware

Argentina warm up for the forthcoming Copa América with two friendlies - the first against Ecuador at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday, followed by another preparation match six days later against Guatemala at FedExField. The Albiceleste, the most successful nation in this tournament with 15 titles, head into this year’s edition as the defending champions. Lionel Scaloni’s team finally lifted the trophy in 2021 after coming close in 2015 and 2016, to give Lionel Messi his first major honor at full international level. Since then, Argentina have added the great prize of all to their collection - the World Cup.

Relaxed atmosphere within the Argentina squad ahead of friendly games

Looking ahead to the start of this year’s competition, which takes place in the United States for the second time, centre-back Lisandro Martínez insists that the idea is to bring the trophy back home. “We are very hungry to win more. Our philosophy is to take it step by step, game by game. We’re not going to change that. We’re ready, we are prepared for this tournament,” the defender explained in a video call from Chicago on Thursday afternoon. “Our aim is to win the Copa América”.

“I couldn’t name a favorite to win this tournament, that’s very difficult. Being the cup holders, we just want to win every game. If we go into this thinking we only have two or three tough games then we will only be complicating matters for ourselves. We will be treating every game as though it’s a final”.

Argentina from Florida to Chicago

Scaloni’s players have been putting the finishing touches to their preparation at the Florida Blue Training Center since the start of the month. Martínez was asked about the mood in the camp with little less than a fortnight before their Copa América opener against Canada. “Humility is one of the keys that defines this current group of players. We know what we have won and how important it is but we are still hungry to win more,” was the Manchester United defender’s reply. “The most important thing is to make sure we keep our feet firmly on the ground, keep level-headed and do what we have always done, which is to take one game at a time. We know what it means to defend our national team’s shirt and what it means to represent out country”.

Argentina will have plenty of support behind them in both of their pre-tournament friendlies but particularly in Chicago. “It’s always nice to play in different cities - especially now in Chicago,” Martínez continued. “I think it’s a beautiful stadium to play and we’re really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a tough game against Ecuador - they have a really good squad with young players so it’s going to be a great game, in my opinion”.

Huge bonus to have Messi as a team mate

Inevitably, there were questions about Lionel Messi. Martínez admitted that there are many benefits to having the Inter Miami star and eight-time Ballon d’Or as a team mate rather than a rival. The No.25 has played 14 matches for Argentina alongside Messi. “As for playing alongside Leo, for us, obviously it’s a huge bonus. We all know what Leo is about - he’s the best there is, he’s our best player... and the fact that he is on our side is a big plus. All of us are very happy to share our day-to-day routine with him,” he said.

“[Messi] seems very relaxed to me. He’s enjoying the day-to-day - being here has been very pleasant so far. We all get really well, the mood is good, the players feel happy and at home, which is really important. As for Leo, he looks relaxed and happy and is playing at an incredible level”.

The Copa América will be a chance for Martínez to put last season behind him. While it ended on a high note with the FA Cup, for him, much of it was spent in and out of the treatment room with various fitness problems. The defender was able to return for the last two league games of the campaign and started the FA Cup final against City. “It wasn’t a very good season on a personal level - or for the team. But you have to be ready for when those moments happen to you - suffering injuries and so on... You have to try to learn from it and treat it as a learning experience. I have to focus on the present and what’s happening now, which is this friendly against Ecuador. As for me personally, I feel really good”.

Argentina’s Copa América gets underway in Atlanta on 20 June against Canada - a rival they have never faced before. Five days later, the world champions are back in action, facing Chile at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Their final game in Group A is against Peru at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on 29 June.