Martinez slams ‘anti-Argentina’ criticism after 2026 World Cup

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has strongly refuted claims of misconduct by the Argentine national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, labeling the criticism as an unjustified "anti-Argentina campaign."

Martinez expressed his frustration, stating, "I’m a little annoyed because they have no real reason to hate us!" He pushed back against accusations that the team is arrogant, suggesting such claims reflect more on the critics than on the players. "They say we are arrogant, but that says more about them than about us. We have always been very respectful towards every opponent we have faced," Martinez told Foot Mercato.

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An anti-Argentina campaign? I’m a little annoyed because they have no real reason to hate us!

The controversy intensified after Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the final. Throughout the tournament, the Albiceleste faced accusations of playing overly aggressively, and several incidents, including those during the final and team celebrations, fueled debate about their behavior. A FIFA probe into a Falklands/Malvinas banner displayed during semi-final celebrations further clouded the team's campaign.

Martinez, who had previously posted "the fall of the great is the happiness of the mediocre" on social media after the final loss, maintained that Argentine players consistently respected their opponents. He believes the ongoing scrutiny unfairly shapes perceptions of the team, despite their strong performances on the field. The debate highlights a clash between the team's self-perception of respect and fair play and external observations of their conduct during a high-stakes tournament.

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They say we are arrogant, but that says more about them than about us. We have always been very respectful towards every opponent we have faced.