Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez makes social media post for Lionel Messi and 2 other Argentina legends after Copa America triumph
Manchester United's Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martinez has posted pictures of himself with captain Lionel Messi, the now-retired Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi after the 2024 Copa America triumph on Sunday (July 14) in Miami.
In a hard-fought title match with Colombia, Messi hobbled off teary eyed midway through the second half due to a ligament tear. As extra time ensued, Lautaro Martinez - played on by Giovani Lo Celso - scored the winner eight minutes before penalties to seal the deal for La Albiceleste.
Martinez played a key role in the triumph - scoring once in five games - as he won his fourth straight title with his national team and second at the Copa. Following the victory, he shared photos with three of his aforementioned teammates and tweeted (as translated from Spanish):
"With these three legends, until the end always!"
It's pertinent to note that the game marked Di Maria's last with Lionel Scaloni's side. He came off in the 117th minute to a standing ovation from the Albiceleste faithful as the team held on for the win to become the first back-to-back Copa champions since Chile in 2015-16.
"Lionel Messi is the best in the world" - Manchester United's Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez before 2024 Copa America
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez heaped praise on his Argentina captain Lionel Messi, hailing him as the 'best' in the game. Ahead of the 2024 Copa America, there were concerns that it would be Messi's last international tournament with the team.
However, allaying such concerns, the Manchester United man told ESPN (as per News18) that the 37-year-old is continuing to play at a high level, enriching the team and his teammates:
“We don’t see it (as Messi’s last tournament with Argentina). We see him happy and, with an impressive level. That’s what I can tell you.”
“Playing with Leo, for us it’s a very important plus. Everyone knows what Leo represents, he’s the best in the world. Having him play for our team is without a doubt a plus. We are very happy to share the day-to-day with him,” he said.
Messi had an underwhelming 2024 Copa America campaign due to injury, contributing a goal and an assist in five games as he faces a while on the sidelines due to injury.