Why was Argentina’s Lisandro Martínez substituted in the first half of the 2026 World Cup final? Injury update
The Manchester United defender was replaced shortly before halftime after appearing to pick up a problem during the World Cup final.


Argentina’s Lisandro Martínez was forced off the field in the first half of the 2026 World Cup final after seemingly suffering an injury just before halftime against Spain. He was replaced by veteran center-back Nicolás Otamendi.
Just a few moments earlier, the Manchester United defender had become the first player to receive a yellow card after bringing Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal down from behind.
📸 - LISANDRO MARTINEZ IS BROKEN!
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 19, 2026
HE HAS TO LEAVE THE WORLD CUP FINAL INJURED! pic.twitter.com/VoG34U8ycZ
Martínez injury concern for Argentina and Manchester United
Although it is far too early to know the exact nature and extent of the injury, the news comes as a blow to Martínez, Argentina and Manchester United.
The Premier League giants will be concerned that a key player has suffered a new fitness issue with the first game of the new season scheduled for August 22.
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