Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has responded to Kylian Mbappe’s claim that the Euros are more challenging to win than the World Cup. Mbappe, who recently joined Real Madrid, remarked, “In my opinion, it’s a more challenging competition than a World Cup. It’s very tough starting from group stages. It’s a competition we haven’t won for 24 years which is huge.”
Martinez, an unused substitute during Argentina’s World Cup victory over Mbappe’s France in December 2022, countered these comments. Speaking to Argentinian publication Clarin, Martinez said, “I leave his opinion up to him; I have a different view of things. I don’t underestimate nor assume anything; all competitions are very hard to win.”
The 26-year-old Martinez is preparing for his second Copa America this summer, aiming to help Argentina defend their 2021 title. Argentina seeks their 16th Copa title, striving to match Uruguay’s record. Known as ‘The Butcher’ in Manchester, Martinez emphasizes humility as crucial to success in tournaments like the Copa America. “The key to this group is its humility. We know what we’ve won and how important it is, but we want to keep winning. The important thing is to stay grounded; that’s what makes us who we are. We go match by match knowing how important this team is,” he stated.
Martinez recently completed a successful season with Manchester United, capped by an FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. However, his season was marred by foot injuries, sidelining him for 188 days. Reflecting on his turbulent season, Martinez said, “It wasn’t a good season personally and as a team either. But one has to be prepared for when these things happen, these types of injuries. And you have to learn from them. I have to take it as an experience and be very strong physically and mentally. Today I feel excellent. I have to focus on what’s happening now, in the present.”
The upcoming Copa America will be particularly significant for Argentina as it marks the final international appearance for Angel Di Maria, who announced his retirement from international football last season. Di Maria has been instrumental in Argentina’s recent successes, including their 2021 Copa America win, the Finalissima in 2022, and their World Cup victory later that year.
Martinez acknowledged Di Maria’s impending retirement but emphasized that it does not overshadow the team’s preparations. “In the field, we don’t talk about that at all. When you’re here, you come and enjoy. We see ‘Fide’ (Di Maria’s nickname) very happy, and we stick with that,” Martinez shared. “There’s no need to say we’re going to fight for him. We try to enjoy every second with him, in training and matches, because we know what kind of legend he is.”
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