The Manchester United fan favorite is the ‘big player’ who will now start at the 2026 World Cup

While he started the games at the tournament, Martinez did not actually play in the final, with Nicolas Otamendi the favourite.

Now, at Copa America 2024, Argentina are looking to win another tournament and Martinez has secured his starting spot.

Lisandro Martinez backed off to keep his place

Argentina won their opening two Copa America matches 1-0, defeating Canada and then Peru.

Martinez has earned rave reviews so far during the tour, lauded in his homeland. He formed an impressive partnership with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.

The former Ajax defender is now tipped to keep his place long-term for the next World Cup.

Former Argentine footballer Ruben Flotta is quoted by Analisis Digital in his homeland, where he spoke of his admiration for the defender.

He said: “I think Scaloni is looking for a replacement for Otamendi in the run-up to the next World Cup and it’s good that he’s continuing to look at other players.

“Lisandro is a great player, he is showing it at Manchester United in the most competitive league in the world.

“He shows every day that he is a great player and in time he will keep his position.”

Argentina’s players will have a big responsibility to try to retain the trophy in 2026 and Martinez will accept the challenge.

Alejandro Garnacho is waiting for his chance

Flotta did not discuss Martinez’s Manchester United team-mate Alejandro Garnacho as he has yet to kick a ball for his country at Euro 2024.

Garnacho, 19, could get a chance in Argentina’s final group match against Peru, with qualification already secured.

Manager Lionel Scaloni has admitted he will rotate and wants the likes of Garnacho to cause him some selection problems for the knockout stages.

By 2026, Garnacho will be hoping to get a starting spot of his own. But one step at a time…

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