Lisandro Martinez ready to honour Lionel Messi in emotional farewell
Lisandro Martinez has reflected on the World Cup final pain as Argentina prepares a grand farewell tribute for Lionel Messi.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Author: Sebas
Defender Lisandro Martinez has joined the Argentina squad in Buenos Aires, addressing the lingering disappointment from their World Cup final defeat to Spain. Despite the ongoing pain in the dressing room, Martinez insists the team is shifting its focus to ensure Lionel Messi receives a proper tribute.
A lot of pain, it's preferable not to dwell on it, but we also have to highlight the tremendous effort we put in throughout the entire tournament. Without a doubt, we had a great World Cup, but it hurts all of us to have lost the final. Lisandro Martinez
Looking ahead to the upcoming celebration, Martinez added: "Now we are here, back in our home country, and we are going to enjoy it." The Argentine Football Association is planning a major event at the Estadio Monumental to honour the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, with invitations extended to the entire 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families.
Under the guidance of Lionel Scaloni, the team has started training behind closed doors. The schedule includes friendlies against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, culminating in an emotional farewell appearance for Messi against Benin on October 6 in Buenos Aires.