Lisandro Martinez was one of the best players on the pitch for Argentina (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez helped Argentina to the perfect start at the Copa America on Friday as the world champions beat Canada 2-0.
Martinez’s strong performance across the full 90 minutes helped Lionel Messi and co to a clean sheet in a fresh sign that his injury woes are well behind him.
The 26-year-old defender made two big clearances, two tackles and one particular crucial interception to stop one of Canada’s most dangerous counter attacks.
Martinez also looked dominant on the ball, enjoying 98 touches and completing 83 out of 89 passes for an impressive completion percentage of 93%.
At one point in the match, Martinez conjured up a key chance with a sumptuous through ball over the top but it was not finished off by his attacking teammates.
But he firmly gave his country a solid platform to build out from the back as he so often does for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Fellow United star Alejandro Garnacho is also in Argentina’s squad for the Copa America but he did not make it off the bench for the clash in Atlanta, Georgia.
It was Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez who broke the deadlock for Argentina from close range just four minutes into the second half.
Lautaro Martinez made it 2-0 in the 88th minute following an assist from Argentine hero Messi, widely regarded as the best footballer of all time.
‘With all due respect, thank goodness we won,’ Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said after the match as he slammed the quality of the pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Alejandro Garnacho was an unused substitute in Argentina’s opener (Picture: Getty)
‘It would have been a cheap excuse [to blame the pitch]. We have known for seven months that we are going to play here and they changed the turf two days ago.
‘It is not good for the show. It is not an excuse. The stadium is beautiful and with synthetic turf it must be spectacular, but with today’s turf it is not suitable for this kind of players.’
Argentina return to action against Chile at 2am UK time on June 26 while Canada, managed by ex-Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch, next face Peru on June 25.
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