Lisandro Martinez, an Argentina defender, has disclosed that he thought about giving up football during his protracted recuperation from a severe knee injury before finding his desire again after his daughter was born.
After assisting Argentina in defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16, the Manchester United centre-back made the heartfelt admission.
Martinez played a significant part in the triumph, scoring once and providing an assist as the reigning champions avoided a big upset against the World Cup debutants.
After sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a Premier League game against Crystal Palace, the 28-year-old admitted he had mental difficulties and wondered if he would ever play football again.
Martinez described how the advent of his daughter altered everything as he thought back on his journey following Argentina’s victory.
“I start thinking about what happened with my injury and I feel like crying. I don’t even know where I stand. 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.”
Martinez and his partner, Muri Lopez Benitez, received their daughter Aurora earlier this year, and they described her arrival as a turning point in their lives.
In a joint social media message, they wrote:
“How transformative was your arrival into our lives Aurora! From the moment we found out you existed, everything took on another meaning, a deeper one.”
They added: “You anchored us to the present. Our attention was so active that every day felt infinite, and time stopped having hours on a clock to have moments in the heart.”
After being out for months, Martinez’s return has bolstered Argentina’s defence; but, the holders will require another strong showing in the subsequent round.
Despite making progress, Lionel Scaloni’s team displayed defensive flaws against Cape Verde, giving up two leads before winning via a late own goal in extra time.
Argentina’s quest to win the World Cup again will now take place in the round of 16 against Egypt.
As the South Americans attempt to avoid another challenging evening against an Egyptian team that advanced to the knockout stage after upsetting Australia in a penalty shootout, Martinez is anticipated to play a crucial role once more.