Lisandro Martínez addresses ‘infuriating’ ‘anti-Argentine’ sentiment following World Cup heartbreak

Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez has opened up on their recent FIFA World Cup Final run -Credit:Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images Manchester United center back Lisandro Martínez has weighed in on the “anti-Argentine” sentiment his side sensed during their FIFA World Cup Final run.

>The 28-year-old recently returned to his hometown, Gualeguay, where he addressed the locals, recapping his experience at the World Cup, where their hunt for a second straight title came to a crushing end in extra time against Spain, with Lionel Messi left in tears after the whistle blew.

>Among the topics discussed was what Olé described as “the anti-Argentine campaign abroad,” something Martínez clearly felt very strongly about. He said, “I have mixed feelings. It's infuriating because they have no basis for that hatred.

Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup comments • >Argentina World Cup Final red card rescinded, face potential FIFA disciplinary actionMartínez was forced off before halftime with an injury -Credit:Howard Smith/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images“Then I see my teammates fighting on the field, the fans who support us and make us feel like we're playing at home. They say we're arrogant, but maybe that says more about the people who say those things than about us. We've always been very respectful of our opponents”

>Argentina came under heavy scrutiny both during and after the tournament, with an investigation underway into a post-Final brawl involving two of their players, as well as into their raising of a controversial banner regarding the Falklands Islands (which are British Overseas Territories) - which Martínez was involved in.

>Supposedly made out of a hotel bedsheet by a fan, the banner read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas (The Falklands are Argentine).” Argentina and Britain went to war over the islands in 1982, with the conflict lasting 10 weeks and costing 649 Argentine and 255 British military personnel their lives, along with three civilians.

>The team was also heavily scrutinized for seemingly turning away to face their fans during the trophy ceremony, something Martínez sought to explain. “It was also said that we hadn't acknowledged Spain,” he said.

>“We greeted all the players and the coaching staff. The image where we appear to have our backs turned is because we were looking at our fans who were cheering us on, and it was also a show of respect towards them.”

>To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE

>Regardless of the backlash they have faced, Martínez remained grateful for the overall experience, describing it as “an honor to represent my city,” adding, “I was fortunate enough to win the championship in 2022, and unfortunately, we couldn't achieve it this time, but we accomplished many things.

>“We won in unity, respect, and in showing the world what it means to be Argentinian. We put Argentina on top.”

>The former Ajax defender, who was forced off just before halftime in the Final due to injury, also went on to highlight Argentina’s mentality during the tournament, stating, “What I value most at the time was my mentality, having my family by my side, and what I want is to leave my legacy in football.

>“I see many young people here who love football. I tell them to believe in themselves, to fight, and not to give up. There will be many adversities; there will be people who will try to hold them back, but I believe that with the help of family, friends, and loved ones, dreams are meant to be fulfilled.”