Martinez: Argentina Must Forget World Cup Heartbreak
September 23, 2026 ·
Lisandro Martinez emphasized the importance of Argentina moving on from defeat in the World Cup final and celebrated Lionel Messi's farewell moment.
Martinez: Argentina Must Forget World Cup Heartbreak
According to Soccernews.
Background
Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United defender, is one of the key voices in the Argentina squad trying to recover after defeat in the World Cup. With Messi set to retire, Martinez and his colleagues are expected to fill the void left by one of the greatest players of all time. The upcoming matches will be important to build a new foundation for the Argentina team.
Why this is important
Argentina's defeat in the World Cup final was a painful moment, but Lisandro Martinez emphasized the importance of the team continuing their journey. With Lionel Messi set to retire from international football, this farewell moment is an opportunity for Argentina to celebrate the legend's legacy. This is also an opportunity to rebuild team spirit ahead of the upcoming matches.
Main Points
- Martinez: Argentina Must Forget World Cup Heartbreak.
- Lisandro Martinez stressed the importance of Argentina moving on from defeat in the World Cup final and celebrating Lionel Messi's farewell moment.
- Martinez: Argentina must forget World Cup heartache and celebrate Messi.
Lisandro Martinez stated that Argentina's players were determined to forget the heartbreak of losing in the World Cup final and celebrate Lionel Messi's farewell next month. The Albiceleste are close to becoming the first team to successfully defend their World Cup title since Brazil in 1958 and 1962, after Messi took them to the final in North America this summer. However, Enzo Fernandez's red card was a turning point, allowing Spain to beat them 1-0 in extra time, thanks to an important goal from Ferran Torres.
Argentina have now been World Cup runners-up four times (also in 1930, 1990 and 2014), the most alongside Germany, and they are also the first team not to take a single shot in regulation time in a World Cup final. However, Manchester United defender Martinez stated that the time has come for Lionel Scaloni's side to put the defeat behind them, as they prepare to say goodbye to the legend.
After announcing his decision to retire from international football after the World Cup, Messi will feature in his farewell match against Benin on October 5. Before that, Bolivia and Burkina Faso will be Argentina's opponents in a match that will bring together members of the 2022 World Cup winning squad to celebrate Messi's career at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
"There was a lot of pain, it's best we don't remember it, but we also have to highlight the great effort we have made throughout the tournament," Martinez told ESPN Argentina. "Without a doubt, we had a great World Cup, but we all felt the pain of losing the final. Now we are back in our country, and we will enjoy ourselves."
Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina, leading the all-time goals tally in both categories, with his last goal coming in their dramatic win over Egypt in the last 16 of this summer's World Cup. No player has directly contributed to more World Cup goals since it was recorded (since 1966) than Messi (33 – 21 goals and 12 assists), who also appeared in the most number of matches in the final (34).
In terms of assists, Messi also holds the record with 12 assists in the competition, four more than Diego Maradona (eight), while only Kylian Mbappe (22 goals) has scored more goals. However, Messi became the first to surpass Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16 goals this year.
What happened next
Argentina is scheduled to face Bolivia and Burkina Faso before Messi's farewell match against Benin on October 5. This match will not only be a tribute to Messi, but also an opportunity for the team to improve their performance after defeat in the World Cup final. With a focus on the future, Argentina hopes to restore confidence and strengthen the team ahead of the next international competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the goal in the Argentina vs Spain match?
The goal in the Argentina vs Spain match was scored by Ferran Torres.
What impact will Argentina's defeat in the World Cup final have on their position in the table?
Argentina's defeat in the World Cup final meant they were runners-up for the fourth time, but did not affect their position in the FIFA table as it was a special tournament.
When will Lionel Messi's farewell match be held?
Lionel Messi's farewell match will be held on October 5 against Benin.
Who are Argentina's opponents before Messi's farewell match?
Before Messi's farewell match, Argentina will face Bolivia and Burkina Faso.
What does Lisandro Martinez expect after the World Cup defeat?
Lisandro Martinez stated that the Argentina team should forget the heartbreak of losing in the World Cup final and celebrate Lionel Messi's career.