Lisandro Martínez’s journey to the 2026 World Cup has been marked by near-retirement, spiritual rituals, and serious contributions on the field. The 28-year-old Manchester United defender, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in February 2025, made a remarkable return to action after 292 days of rehabilitation. His performance against Cape Verde. Where he scored and assisted Lionel Messi, helped Argentina advance to the round of 16.

Injury and Near-Retirement

Martínez admitted he had considered retiring after the ACL injury, which occurred during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace. “I thought about retiring. I couldn’t stand the pain anymore. ” he said. According to Flashscore.com — his recovery was deeply influenced by the arrival of his daughter, Aurora, who gave him the emotional strength to continue his career. “If my daughter hadn’t been born right when I got injured, I don’t know if I’d be here playing today,” he reflected after Argentina’s win over Cape Verde.

The ‘Banda del Palo Santo’ Ritual

While Martínez’s physical challenges were well-documented, a spiritual ritual also emerged during Argentina’s World Cup campaign. According to Infobae. The “banda del palo santo”. A group that began during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, was revived to ward off bad luck. The ritual, led by central defenders like Martínez and Cristian Romero, gained renewed attention when U.S. airport security discovered a traditional Argentine lighter in Martínez’s luggage. The incident sparked laughter among the players, including Messi, and highlighted the team’s reliance on both tradition and superstition.

Argentina’s Road to the Round of 16

Argentina’s 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in Miami marked a dramatic escape from an early exit. According to Goal.com, the match was a turning point for the defending champions. Martínez’s goal and assist were instrumental in securing the win. The match was one of the most-watched in the early stages of the tournament and revealed the team’s resilience. The 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, features 48 teams, the most in World Cup history, and Argentina’s progression through the knockout stage has been closely followed.

As Argentina prepares to face Egypt in the round of 16, the team’s reliance on Martínez’s leadership and defensive stability remains key. His emotional and physical journey, from near-retirement to World Cup heroics, has become one of the defining stories of the tournament so far.