Lisandro Martinez thanked fans at a welcome event in his hometown of Guareguay on Sunday and revealed the amusing story of never "going easy" on Messi when playing cards.
Thousands of fans gathered on the Gualeguay Riverfront on Sunday to welcome Lisandro Martínez, fresh from representing Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain in the final, finishing as runners-up. The city government-organized event, which began at 3 p.m. local time, attracted local residents and visitors from across the country. Blue and white flags fluttered along the Riverfront as the 28-year-old defender, wearing an Argentina jersey, took the microphone from the crowd and addressed the people with his characteristic simplicity.
"Thank you all for taking the time to be here. I am incredibly proud to represent my city," Martinez said emotionally. He admitted that the World Cup result was somewhat bitter: "Since I started playing here in 2021, we have always won; it's a pity we couldn't do it again this time, but I think we have won a lot."
Martinez attributes his career to two pillars: "What set me apart back then was my mentality and the support of my family. Now I just want to leave my legacy in the world of football."
Seeing many children wearing Argentina jerseys, he encouraged them, saying, "What made me stand out back then was my mindset. I see so many children here, and they must be dreaming of playing football. Believe in yourself, work hard, and don't give up. There will definitely be obstacles and people who hold you back along the way, but with the help of family, friends, and those around you, dreams can come true."
At the height of the atmosphere, he spoke about his relationship with Messi. When asked about his experience in the locker room with the national team captain, Martinez was full of praise: "He has an innate humility that makes you like him above all else. To me, he's not just the best in football, but the best in all sports." He then described their locker room routine more casually: "We've built a great relationship through playing cards, drinking mate together, and chatting."
The most amusing moment, which drew applause from the entire audience, was when someone asked him if he would let the captain win the game. He laughed and said, "Absolutely not. To be honest, I want to beat him, but incredibly, he wins everything and never loses."
The fans in the stadium chanted "If you don't dance, you're British," to which Martinez briefly joined in with a smile. It's worth noting that he was one of the players who unfurled a banner reading "The Falklands belong to Argentina" after the World Cup semi-final victory over England.
The city government had previously encouraged participants to bring Argentine flags, and the response was overwhelming. Martinez's family also arrived early and spent the entire afternoon with him. In the days leading up to the event, he chose to rest at a estate near Guareguay, keeping a low profile and focusing on his physical recovery – he suffered a muscle injury in the final. He will return to Manchester United in the coming days.
