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On Sunday morning, Argentina defeated 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring early, but Dan Ndoye equalised soon after. Breel Embolo was then sent off following a VAR review. With the game finely balanced, Julián Álvarez curled in a superb strike in the 112th minute, and Lautaro Martínez added a late goal to confirm Argentina’s victory and set up a semi-final clash with England.

While there was plenty to analyse from the match, Manchester United supporters will be especially pleased by the widespread praise for Lisandro Martínez, one of the key reasons many stayed up to watch the game.

Martínez has been exceptional throughout Argentina’s World Cup journey. According to FotMob, he is currently rated as the top-performing centre-back of the tournament with a 7.88 rating. His performance against Switzerland showed exactly why he holds that distinction.

The defender completed three dribbles (the highest in the match), won nine duels, and made three recoveries, blending assured defending with confidence in possession. Argentine outlets were full of admiration for his display.

TYC commented:

“He was again trouble-free in anticipation and equally smooth in his vertical passing. In one-on-one situations and the occasional aerial duel, he lost more than he won.

“But what determination this lad has, and how his confidence keeps growing as the minutes go by. Switzerland made things difficult for him, but he prevailed.”

Meanwhile, Ole highlighted his playmaking qualities: “His start was as good as ever; he was very effective because he played with confidence and decisiveness. He made a few errors due to his tendency to push too far forward, even trying to operate in the opposition’s half.

“At the end of normal time, he attempted a perfect bicycle kick that narrowly missed. In extra time, before Julián’s goal, he was virtually acting as a playmaker.”

Clarín also praised his defensive awareness: “Another excellent performance from Licha, both in marking, covering, intercepting, and of course, his constant involvement in attack. He did struggle slightly against Embolo at times, until the latter’s sending off.”

It is gratifying to see Martínez earning the recognition he truly merits.

The hope now is that he continues to maintain both his form and fitness. When fully fit, there are few centre-backs in world football who can match his quality.

Manchester United fans will be eager to see him back next season, bringing his assured performances from the international stage into club football.