​On Sunday morning, Argentina edged past 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time. Alexis Mac Allister fired in an early opener before Dan Ndoye equalised for the Swiss. A red card for Breel Embolo, following a VAR review, left Argentina with the numerical advantage going into the later stages. With the score still delicately poised, Julián Álvarez delivered a brilliant curling strike in the 112th minute, and Lautaro Martínez capped the victory with a late goal, sending Argentina through to a semi-final clash with England.
There has been much talk about the match, but Manchester United supporters will no doubt be thrilled by the praise lavished on Lisandro Martínez, one of the chief reasons fans stayed up to watch. Martínez has been outstanding throughout Argentina’s World Cup campaign. In fact, FotMob rates him as the tournament’s top-performing centre-back, with a 7.88 rating. He demonstrated exactly why against Switzerland. He completed three dribbles—the highest figure for any player in the game—won nine duels and made three recoveries, blending sturdy defending with composed ball progression.
Argentine outlets were quick to laud his performance. TYC Sports wrote that Martínez “was again trouble-free in anticipation, and equally smooth in his vertical passing. In one-on-one situations and in aerial duels, he lost more than he won. But what grit this lad has, how he’s gaining confidence as the minutes tick by. Switzerland made things difficult for him, but he came out on top.” Meanwhile, Ole praised his playmaking instincts, noting, “His start was as good as ever; he was very effective because he was confident and decisive. He made a few mistakes due to his tendency to venture far forward and even try to play in the opposition’s half. At the end of regulation time, he attempted a perfect bicycle kick that miraculously didn’t go in. In extra time, before Julián’s goal, he was practically a playmaker.” Clarín, too, highlighted his defensive awareness: “Another very good game from Licha, both in marking, covering, intercepting, and of course, his constant presence in attack. He struggled a bit against Embolo at times, until he was sent off.”
It is heartening to see Martínez finally receive the recognition he deserves. The hope now is that he sustains both his form and his fitness. When fully fit, few centre-backs can match his quality. For United fans, the anticipation will be vivid to see him return next season, carrying these elegant performances from the global stage back to club football.