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Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez has been included in the Copa America Team of the Tournament after his heroics at the competition.
Martinez played a key role as Argentina followed up their 2022 World Cup success by winning a record 16th Copa America trophy.
The Albiceleste beat Colombia 1-0 on Sunday at The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, USA to be crowned champions.
Despite making only 14 appearances across all competitions for United in the 2023/24 season, Martinez was still included in Lionel Scaloni’s final squad for Copa America.
The 26-year-old did not disappoint and especially struck a formidable partnership at the heart of the Albiceleste’s backline with Tottenham Hotspur’s Romero.
Martinez started and played all 120 minutes of the final against Colombia, with his most notable contribution being a sensational last-ditch tackle to prevent Miguel Borja from breaching Emi Martinez’s goal.
There was an incident during the match in which he had to receive treatment from the physio after Colombia attacker Jhon Cordoba caught him while trying to deliver a cross.
Martinez’s left foot was subjected to attention from a medical expert but luckily, he came out of it and it appears like it wasn’t serious.
Throughout the tournament, Argentina did not concede while Martinez was on the pitch.
Argentina only conceded against Ecuador but Martinez was not on the pitch when that happened. He had already been taken off by Scaloni.
The centre-back’s efforts earned him a spot in Copa America’s Team of the Tournament, as part of a defensive four also consisting of the likes of Nicolas Tagliafico, Davinson Sanchez and Santiago Arias.
Los once cracks que se metieron en el último equipo de la semana, de la mano de @pumafootball 🌟 pic.twitter.com/m6Gg6KjaAD
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) July 15, 2024
Martinez’s full attention will now undoubtedly be on getting back to United in the best shape and condition soon after his break.
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