Lisandro Martinez injured in World Cup Final

Manchester United have been struck with an injury worry as Lisandro Martinez walked off in the 2026 World Cup Final.

In the 44th minute of the game, with Argentina level at 0-0 against European Champions Spain, Argentina’s defender was replaced by former Manchester City star Nicolas Otamendi.

Martinez had won 100% of his tackles and aerial duels during the 2026 World Cup, as well as playing five passes into the final third.

Amid such a brilliant tournament, Martinez has faced his fair share of controversy, too. The 28-year-old held up a banner following his nation’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England, which claimed Argentina owned the Falklands, land that has belonged to the United Kingdom since 1765.

FIFA are continuing to review the incident and announced, “As is standard procedure, Fifa’s independent disciplinary committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the Fifa disciplinary code.” One potential punishment that has been called for is the UK revoking Martinez’s work visa, but feels an unlikely outcome.

With the Premier League returning in just 33 days, Manchester United will naturally be worried – it will have taken a lot for Martinez to be forced off through injury in the biggest game of his career.

The first worry that will immediately face Lisandro Martinez is whether or not Argentina will win the tournament without him. He had played all but one game (against Jordan) until the final, but Lionel Messi and co. will have to continue without him and beat an energy-sapping Spain side.

With pre-season already underway at Manchester United, the Red Devils will be hoping Martinez’s injury is not as serious as it first looks, and will take some belief from the fact their ‘Butcher’ was not forced off on a stretcher and left the field of his own accord.