Martinez dedicates victory to family after crucial goal
Argentina and Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez expressed immense joy after his side's hard-fought 3-2 win over Cabo Verde in the round of 32 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Speaking after the match, as quoted by Argentina's official X handle, Martinez said, "I am on cloud nine, happy. When I got injured, my daughter was born a month later. Thanks to her, I am here today. I dedicate it to her and to my wife."
Martinez also acknowledged the challenges he overcame: "Everything I went through was very tough, but thanks to my club and my national team, today I am very happy. I am very grateful to the doctors, to the technical staff, today to be able to be here."
Match recap: Messi opens scoring, Cabo Verde fights back
Lionel Messi opened the scoring in the 29th minute, finishing a diagonal pass from Martinez with a brilliant strike into the roof of the net. It was Messi's seventh goal of the tournament, placing him atop the Golden Boot standings. However, Cabo Verde equalised in the 59th minute through Deroy Duarte, who finished confidently from a tight angle after being released by Ryan Mendes. This was Cabo Verde's first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal.
Despite Argentina creating several chances, veteran goalkeeper Vozinha made outstanding saves, particularly from Messi, forcing the match into extra time.
Extra-time drama: Martinez scores, own goal decides
Argentina restored their lead just two minutes into extra time when Lisandro Martinez converted from close range following a corner in the 92nd minute. But Cabo Verde responded again in the 103rd minute through Sidny Lopes Cabral, who produced a stunning curling effort from a tight angle to make it 2-2. The decisive moment came in the 111th minute when Messi's corner was met by Cristian Romero, whose header took a slight deflection off Diney Borges and found the net for an own goal.
Cabo Verde nearly forced penalties, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a vital save to deny Lopes Cabral's powerful free-kick, securing Argentina's progression.
Historic feat for Martinez
According to Opta Analyst, Lisandro Martinez became the first Argentinian player other than Messi to both score and assist in a single FIFA World Cup match for Argentina since Hernan Crespo and Carlos Tevez did so against Serbia in June 2006.
Cabo Verde, making their first World Cup appearance in the knockout stages, started brightly and tested Argentina early through Ryan Mendes. Despite the loss, their valiant performance earned praise, with an own goal ultimately ending their debut campaign.
