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Lisandro Martinez scripted Argentina history with a goal and assist against Cape Verde before opening up on his injury struggles in an emotional post-match interview.
Lisandro Martinez scripted some history of his own in Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 win over Cape Verde (AP)
Lionel Messi may have grabbed the headlines once again, but Lisandro Martinez produced a World Cup performance that will be remembered in Argentina for years to come.
The Manchester United defender played a decisive role at both ends of the pitch as Argentina survived a massive scare to edge Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in one of the most thrilling matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Making their first-ever World Cup appearance, Cape Verde came within minutes of pulling off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. The African debutants twice fought back against the defending champions before an unfortunate own goal from Diney Borges in the 111th minute finally settled a dramatic Round of 32 contest and sent Argentina into the last 16.
Martinez was at the heart of everything.
Lisandro Martinez’s game by numbers vs Cape Verde:131 touches117/120 passes completed (most)21 final 1/3 entries (most)6 clearances3 duels won2 aerial duels won1 shot1 goal1 chance created1 assist
— Squawka (@Squawka) July 4, 2026
Martinez’s Exploits vs Cape Verde
His first contribution came in the 29th minute when he spotted Lionel Messi’s run behind the Cape Verde defence and produced a sublime 42.5-metre pass. Messi did the rest, controlling the ball before delicately chipping goalkeeper Vozinha to hand Argentina the lead.
The Ronaldo vs Messi debate is done. Messi is on another level.Messi has extended his records of goals in the World Cup (20) and consecutive World Cup matches with a goal (8). pic.twitter.com/nUBgvhoByH
— Jonny Dee (@0xJonnyDee) July 3, 2026
The assist was Martinez’s first-ever in international football, while the pass also became the longest assist recorded by an Argentine player at the FIFA World Cup in the last 60 years.
The defender wasn’t done.
Just two minutes into extra time, Messi’s corner found Martinez inside the penalty area. The centre-back brought the ball under control before smashing an unstoppable finish into the roof of the net to restore Argentina’s lead at 2-1.
History Made By Martinez
That goal completed a historic night, as Martinez became the first Argentina defender since 1966 to register both a goal and an assist in the same FIFA World Cup match.
The emotional significance of the moment was not lost on the 28-year-old, who has battled multiple injury setbacks in recent years.
“I start thinking about what happened with my injury and I feel like crying. I don’t even know where I stand,” Martinez said after the match.
“If my daughter hadn’t been born right when I got injured, I don’t know if I’d be here playing today, and today I scored a goal in a World Cup.”
Having overcome both Cape Verde’s spirited challenge, Argentina will now turn their attention to their Round of 16 clash against Egypt.
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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