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Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez has revealed he considered retiring from football during his lengthy recovery from a serious knee injury before rediscovering his motivation with the birth of his daughter.
The Manchester United centre-back made the emotional admission after helping Argentina defeat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time to reach the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Martinez played a key role in the victory, scoring once and providing an assist as the defending champions avoided a major upset against the World Cup debutants.
Daughter inspired comeback
The 28-year-old said he struggled mentally after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, admitting he questioned whether he would ever return to football.
Reflecting on his journey after Argentina’s victory, Martinez explained how the arrival of his daughter changed everything.
Lisandro Martinez – Getty image
“I start thinking about what happened with my injury and I feel like crying. I don’t even know where I stand. If my daughter hadn’t been born right when I got injured, I don’t know if I’d be here playing today, and today I scored a goal in a World Cup.”
Earlier this year, Martinez and his partner, Muri Lopez Benitez, welcomed their daughter, Aurora, describing her arrival as a life-changing moment.
In a joint social media message, they wrote:
“How transformative was your arrival into our lives Aurora! From the moment we found out you existed, everything took on another meaning, a deeper one.”
They added: “You anchored us to the present. Our attention was so active that every day felt infinite, and time stopped having hours on a clock to have moments in the heart.”
Focus shifts to Egypt clash
Martinez’s return has strengthened Argentina’s defence after months on the sidelines, but the holders will need another solid performance in the next round.
Despite progressing, Lionel Scaloni’s side showed defensive weaknesses against Cape Verde after surrendering two leads before sealing victory through a late own goal in extra time.
Argentina will now face Egypt in the round of 16 as they continue their bid to retain the World Cup title.
Martinez is expected to play a key role once again as the South Americans look to avoid another difficult night against an Egyptian side that reached the knockout stage after defeating Australia in a penalty shootout.