It seems that Lionel Messi has found a “killer” as his teammate in the Argentina national team. The “killer” is none other than the Manchester United defender, Lisandro Martinez. Martinez has made his mark in the Premier League as one of the toughest defenders in the league in his debut season. Martinez’s aggressive nature and “killer” instinct have had the fans singing praises about the Argentine stopper.
Lisandro Martinez rose to prominence during his time at Ajax FC. After former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag moved to Manchester United, ten Hag made sure that United signed Martinez. However, Martinez’s signing was criticized by several soccer pundits, because of Martinez’s diminutive stature. However, Martinez has proved all the critics wrong as he has become part of a deadly defensive duo alongside French defender, Raphael Varane.
Lisandro Martinez has earned himself the nickname of ‘The Butcher‘ due to his aggressive nature. As per the Mirror, Martinez spoke about this in a recent interview. Martinez spoke about how he has to control his instinct in order to avoid getting suspended. He said, “I can’t do it, otherwise I will be suspended every game. You have to be clever. “
🚨 Lisandro Martínez: “Sometimes I want to kill the opponents, but I can’t do it, otherwise I will be suspended every game. You have to be clever. It’s really hard… but you have to control as well. It’s our culture from Argentina. We’re always like this.” @DiscoMirror 🗣️🪓🩸 pic.twitter.com/r53COy38d2
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) February 24, 2023
“It’s hard, really hard,” Martinez continued. “Sometimes I want to kill, but you have to control as well. I think it’s our culture from Argentina. We’re always like this, we’re passionate. Football, for us, is everything, so that’s why we always give everything. ” Martinez has become an indispensable figure of Erik ten Hag’s rejuvenated Manchester United. Old Trafford, especially, has taken a great liking to the Argentine star.
Lisandro Martinez doesn’t mind going to “war” for Lionel Messi
Lisandro Martinez was a crucial part of the Argentine team that was led by Lionel Messi to World Cup glory in Qatar last year. Although Martinez didn’t feature in the World Cup final against France, he played an important role in the Argentine team. However, Martinez’s determination of winning the World Cup was visible from an interview before the World Cup, when he said that he would go to “war” for Lionel Messi.
Martinez spoke about the upcoming World Cup during an interview with ESPN Argentina in October last year. During the interview, Martinez spoke about how he wouldn’t let Lionel Messi retire from the Argentina team after the World Cup. Martinez said, “How will this be Messi’s last World Cup? No, no, he’s crazy, we’re not going to let him leave. We’ll go to war for him.”
Lisandro Martinez prevents Australia from scoring the second goal ..
— 🅚🅡➑ (@KR_808) December 3, 2022
Although Martinez put on impressive performances every time he played in Qatar, Martinez’s match-winning tackle against Australia in the round of 16 of the World Cup is still etched in our memories. Argentina was winning 2-1 against Australia, when in the 80th minute, Martinez made a monumental tackle to deny Australia’s Aziz Behich a clear shot on goal.
Fans react to Lisandro Martinez’s “killer” instinct
Lisandro Martinez has become a fan-favorite at Old Trafford. Martinez has denied the critics to become one of the most feared defenders in the Premier League as well as in the world. Martinez’s latest interview has instantly become viral on the Internet. One fan even joked and said, ““it’s our culture from Argentina” BRO HOMICIDAL URGES?”
Here’s how fans have reacted to it:
Licha is a warrior glad he plays for my Manchester United. He’s such a special player
— マンディープシン (@Mandeep19897614) February 25, 2023
“it’s our culture from argentina” BRO HOMICIDAL URGES??????😭😭
— Noe (No-we) ❀ (@hyegyungkim) February 25, 2023
My butcher 💙🇦🇷☠️
— Songs From Space (@songsfromspace) February 24, 2023
I am not playing 1v1 against this guy ever 💀
— Newcastle United 🇦🇷 (@FCNewcastleFan) February 25, 2023
bro is worried about suspension i’d be worried about prison 😭
— r 🏁 (@lis6ndro) February 24, 2023
Martinez’s warrior mentality has been liked by fans and soccer pundits alike. Recently, Erik ten Hag spoke about the importance of Martinez in the Manchester United team. After the English side defeated Barcelona in their recent Europa League clash, ten Hag praised Lisandro Martinez’s leadership qualities, which have played an important part in the rebirth of this Manchester United side under ten Hag.