Lisandro Martínez Stats: Argentina’s Defensive Enforcer

Aggressive, fearless and now a scorer on the biggest stage, Lisandro Martínez has been a wall at the heart of Argentina’s defence. The Lisandro Martínez stats at the World Cup 2026 include an extra-time goal against Cape Verde and six starts as the holders reached the final. Here is the story of the man they call the Butcher. For the bigger picture, see our World Cup 2026 hub.

Lisandro Martínez stats at a glance

Who is Lisandro Martínez?

Lisandro Martínez is a centre-back for Manchester United and Argentina, nicknamed the Butcher for his ferocious, aggressive style. Born in January 1998, the 28-year-old came through in Argentina before starring at Ajax, where he won two Eredivisie titles, then joined Manchester United in 2022. Left-footed and comfortable on the ball, he was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and has also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.

Lisandro Martínez at the World Cup 2026

Martínez has anchored the Argentina defence and chipped in with a crucial goal. Here is how his tournament has unfolded.

• Argentina 3-0 Algeria (group stage, June 17): Started and kept a clean sheet in the opener.
• Argentina 2-0 Austria (group stage, June 22): Another 90 minutes and another shutout.
• Jordan 1-3 Argentina (group stage, June 28): Rested as Argentina rotated.
• Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (Round of 32, July 3): Scored on 92 minutes to break the deadlock in extra time as Argentina edged a five-goal thriller.
• Argentina 3-2 Egypt (Round of 16, July 7): A full 90 minutes as Argentina came from behind to win.
• Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (quarter-final, July 12): Went the full 120 minutes as Argentina advanced after extra time.
• England 1-2 Argentina (semi-final, July 15): Booked and withdrawn on 72 minutes, but Argentina reached the final.

A goal and a string of assured defensive displays sum up Martínez’s tournament under Lionel Scaloni, in a back line alongside Cristian Romero and in front of Emiliano Martínez, as Lionel Messi chases another title. See where Argentina sit in our who will win the World Cup 2026 guide and how the knockouts look in our World Cup 2026 bracket.

Argentina’s defensive enforcer

Combative to the last and unafraid of any striker, Lisandro Martínez has been exactly the kind of defender a title defence is built on — and Argentina will lean on him again in the final.

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