"He lost the finals but he continued and continued" - Manchester United star reveals why he uses Lionel Messi as an example in his life
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has revealed that he uses Lionel Messi as an example in his life. The Argentinean plays with La Pulga for the national team and the two have won multiple trophies together.
Martinez is also a mainstay at the back for the Red Devils and has held his own under Ruben Amorim. The 26-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 from Ajax for a reported €57.37 million.
The Manchester United defender has won two Copa America titles, one Finalissima, and the coveted FIFA World Cup with Lionel Messi. The two have shared the pitch 22 times for La Albiceleste.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Martinez pointed out that La Pulga's perseverance with Argentina propelled him to success.
"In my life, I always use Leo Messi as an example. He suffered a lot with the Argentine national team. He is the great example of the need to be patient, never give up, work, work and trust until the end," said Martinez.
He continued:
"He lost the finals but he continued and continued and look at all the success that awaited him after those obstacles."
Martinez has registered 83 appearances for Manchester United to date and has won the EFL Cup and the FA Cup. Lionel Messi, meanwhile, is with Inter Miami at the moment. The Argentinean has won the Leagues Cup and the MLS Supporter's Shield since arriving in the the summer of 2023.
How many goals has Lionel Messi scored against Manchester United?
Lionel Messi has faced Manchester United six times in the Champions League, including twice in the finals, during his time with Barcelona. La Pulga has won four and lost just once against the Red Devils in his career, scoring four goals.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner first met the Premier League giants in the semifinals of the 2007-08 campaign. The Catalans drew the home game 0-0 but lost 1-0 in the away leg courtesy of a Paul Scholes' 30-yard screamer. Manchester United went on to lift the trophy that season.
The two sides met again in the final the following season at Stadio Olimpico in 2009, with the diminutive Argentine scoring an uncharacteristic header over a towering 6'6 Edwin van der Sar, leading to Barcelona securing the title with a 2-0 win.
Messi was on the scoresheet and he was on song once again two seasons later. The Catalans met the Red Devils in the 2010-11 final, where La Pulga scored in a 3-1 win.
His final two goals came in the quarterfinal second leg of the 2018-19 Champions League, in a 3-0 win, which the Catalans won 4-0 on aggregate.