Lisandro Martínez Subbed Off Injured in World Cup Final

Lisandro Martínez was forced off with a muscle injury in the 44th minute of the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. The Manchester United defender, a key figure in Argentina's defence throughout the tournament, pulled up after a challenge on Mikel Oyarzabal that earned him a yellow card Source: Clarin.

The injury

Martínez had shown signs of discomfort earlier in the first half. According to excelsiormx, he began favouring his right leg after a foul on Oyarzabal in the 40th minute, and then collapsed during a Spanish attack moments later, prompting medical attention Source: excelsiormx. Infobae reported that he suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh (likely quadriceps) after stretching to stop the Spanish forward Source: infobae.

The substitution

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni reacted quickly, sending on veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi before half-time. Otamendi's return to the field at MetLife Stadium was symbolic: it was the same venue where Lionel Messi announced his international retirement in 2016 after losing the Copa América final Source: excelsiormx. Clarin noted that Martínez left the pitch with visible frustration, having been one of Argentina's best players in the final up to that point Source: Clarin.