Martinez achieves 'the biggest dream of all'
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has shared his pride at achieving “the biggest dream of all” after he was a part of the Argentina squad that was crowned world champions on Sunday.
The South American nation defeated a France side that included United’s Raphael Varane 4-2 on penalties, following a dramatic 3-3 draw after 120 minutes.
Martinez was an unused substitute in the Lusail finale but played his part throughout the tournament as Argentina ended their 36-year wait to lift the global honour once more.
After the final whistle and prior to the trophy presentation, our pair came together to share an emotional moment on the pitch, as Varane congratulated his team-mate on achieving what he did in 2018.
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Following the celebrations, Lisandro took a moment to share his delight with his followers on social media, posting: “THE BIGGEST DREAM OF ALL!!! WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!! ARGENTINA ARGENTINAAAAA.”
It made for quite the first World Cup campaign of Martinez’s career and ensured his third senior honour with the national team since his debut in 2019, leading on from the success at the Copa America in 2021 and the Finalissima triumph earlier this year.
While Sunday was a career highlight for the South American, it was a difficult one to take for his United team-mate Varane.EL SUEÑO MAS GRANDE DE TODOS!!!
— Lisandro Martinez (@LisandrMartinez) December 18, 2022
CAMPEONES DEL MUNDOOOOOOO!!!!! ARGENTINA ARGENTINAAAAA CARAJ000000 pic.twitter.com/KzW2NUpsNm
Despite a spirited comeback on the day, our no.19’s nation were edged out of becoming only the third country to lift the men's World Cup on successive occasions.
The defender left everything out there and was visibly left with little more to give shortly before he was substituted towards the latter end of extra-time.
Speaking after the final whistle, he shared France’s disappointment, but with an overwhelming sense of pride.Triste mais tellement fier ! 🇫🇷❤️
— Raphaël Varane (@raphaelvarane) December 18, 2022
“Of course, we’re very disappointed, we gave everything,” Rapha told French broadcaster TF1 in Qatar.
“We had to face a lot of obstacles throughout the competition, we never gave in. We weren’t in the game for an hour.
“We could have won, I’m very proud of this group and to be French. We keep our heads high. It went by very quickly, after that we were physically better.
“It was a sinuous journey but there was a mental strength in this team, a lot of heart. That allowed us to get back in the game. We’re disappointed but there’s a lot of pride.”
The United pair are now set to have a short time away before returning to Carrington as the Reds’ season resumes.
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Lisandro and Raphael’s fellow Reds have taken the time to extend their congratulations and commiserations to the duo following Sunday’s enthralling encounter.
A total of 15 United players attended the World Cup with their respective nations over the last month, with the aforementioned pair our last men standing on the final weekend.
Those efforts were recognised by their colleagues back at United on social media, after the final.
Alejandro Garnacho, who has represented Argentina at youth level, posted to Martinez in Spanish, saying: “Congratulations brother you deserve it more than anyone, I love you.”
Facundo Pellistri, who featured for Uruguay at the tournament, wrote: “Congratulations brother! You have deserved it.” Scott McTominay shared a similar message, posting: “Congratulations my brother.”
The Portugal midfielder wrote the message: “amazing tournament from you once again”.