Lisandro Martinez explains how key Manchester United trait helped Argentina win the World Cup

Lisandro Martinez has had quite the year – first, winning the Dutch league with Ajax before securing a move to Manchester United, before ending the year by winning the World Cup with his home nation, Argentina.

Martinez has quickly become an absolute fan favourite among Manchester United fans with both his excellent performances and bullish but brilliant attitude earning him plaudits far and wide.

One trait Martinez possesses at United is the pure and raw emotion he puts into his game – screaming after every tackle, celebrating every goal like it’s the last, and always rallying teammates to do better.

Speaking to TYC Sports about Argentina’s World Cup victory, he explained how he felt to compete and become victorious in Qatar.

“It was a huge emotion and a pride to be there,” he said.

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“It was my first World Cup, but I was also very focused from the beginning, with the aim of becoming champion. We went from less to more and people identified a lot with our game, we showed good football and that is what characterises us Argentines.”

Martinez is the archetype ‘playing for the badge’ type player. He puts his body, heart, and soul on the line every day for Manchester United, and it’s this key trait that he believed help get Argentina over the line and to the final of the World Cup, before ultimately defeating France 4-2 on penalties.

“You have to be predisposed and when you see the shirt, the shield and so many millions of Argentines behind you, you have to give up your life for all of them,” he detailed. “The least we can do is that.”

Erik ten Hag, when asked on the central defender’s potential return date to the squad, said he “can’t answer that question now.

“He is still celebrating now in Buenos Aires now, going around in the touring car!” Explained the Dutch manager on Wednesday evening. “Going around in Buenos Aires and I can understand it, it is very emotional when you achieve this World Cup success in your country.

“It is magnificent – it is the highest that you can achieve [in football],” he continued. “Licha also has to understand that on December 27, the Premier League is back!”