Lisandro Martínez, the key man in Argentina’s push for the 2024 Copa América

Argentina is just a few games away from potentially retaining the Copa América title and adding another trophy to Argentinian coach Lionel Scaloni’s illustrious era. During this new title journey, the “Albiceleste” has been far from displaying the style that won the 2022 World Cup. However, some players have stood up for the team and have been crucial in the run to the semi-finals; one of them being Lisandro Martínez, Manchester United’s center-back.

This 2024 edition has meant more than just dreaming of retaining the title for Martínez; it’s been a redemption for a player who missed most of United’s games during the 2023/24 season but who has now reminded everyone why he is a world-class player.

When did Lisandro Martínez arrive at Manchester United?

The Argentinian defender arrived in Manchester from Eredivisie’s Ajax in the summer of 2022. The Red Devils paid $58.5 million + c.€11 million in variables to the Dutch club in what was perceived by some as one of the best signings of the 2022/23 transfer window. With his 120 matches played across his three seasons at Ajax, and his inclusion in the Argentina squad that shocked Brazil during the 2021 Copa América, Martínez established himself as one-to-watch for the big leagues.

Judging only by the stats, “Licha” completed a solid first season for the Old Trafford club, with 45 appearances in all competitions (27 in the Premier League). However, it was a bittersweet ending because the defender missed the last nine games of the league as well as the FA Cup Final loss to Manchester City due to a metatarsal fracture.

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How many matches has Lisandro Martínez played for Manchester United this season?

This past season has been challenging for Lisandro, who has missed most games due to injuries. At the beginning of the season, in September, the United defender sustained a foot injury and was ruled out for 105 days, which included him missing five of the six games his team played in the Champions League group stage. Martínez also suffered a knee injury in February (54 days) and a calf strain in April (29 days).

During the 2023/24 season, Martínez played only 14 matches across all competitions, and in only four, the Argentinian defender was on the pitch for 90 minutes. Despite this, he was able to recover before the end of the season and showed a solid performance in the minutes he played during the 2024 FA Cup Final, helping United exact revenge on City. That was enough for Lionel Scaloni to call him up to represent Argentina for the Copa America.

Is Lisandro Martínez playing against Canada?

The 26-year-old’s impressive defensive performances throughout the tournament have been crucial to Argentina keeping a clean sheet throughout the group stage. What’s more, he scored the opener against Ecuador and was included in the tournament’s ideal squad from the quarterfinals.

After the game, Martínez highlighted the emotion that came after he scored his first senior goal for Argentina. “I’m incredibly excited to have scored my first goal in this shirt,” he said. Moreover, the defender made clear that, “This team is hungry [to win].” Although the squad for the game against Canada is yet to be announced, it is most likely that Martínez will be amongst the starting XI of Argentina.

Argentina’s likely starting XI vs Canada: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Ángel Di María, Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.

What time and where will Argentina - Canada play?

The semifinal game between Argentina and Canada is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, with the kickoff starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. The teams will play at New Jersey’s Met Life Stadium, which has a capacity of 82,500 people. The stadium has previously hosted matchday two games between Chile and Argentina (Group A) and Uruguay against Bolivia (Group C).