Lisandro Martinez has issued a powerful message of thanks to Argentina fans – and a stinging rebuke to the team’s critics – just days after the World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain.
The Manchester United defender, who was forced off injured midway through the final, posted an emotional statement on Instagram in the wake of Argentina’s failed bid to retain their world title.
Argentina were beaten by Spain in the 2026 showpiece, denying them the chance to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back‐to‐back World Cups. The defeat also halted hopes of adding a fourth star to a history that already includes triumphs in 1978, 1986 and 2022.
‘Heartbroken but proud’
Martinez began his message by describing the pain of falling short, but insisted he remained immensely proud of everyone involved in Argentina’s campaign.
“بقلب يعتصره الالم لاننا لم ننجح في جلب الكاس التي كنا جميعا نحلم بها، لكن بفخر لا يوصف بهذا القميص، وبزملايي، والجهاز الفني، والاداريين، والجهاز الطبي، والطهاة، ومسوولي المعدات، وكل شخص ساهم في ان تسير هذه الرحلة بافضل صورة ممكنة”.
The defender underlined that the disappointment of losing the final did not diminish the bond within the squad or the efforts of the backroom staff who supported the team throughout the tournament.
He went on to highlight the importance of the supporters, crediting them with driving the team forward during a demanding World Cup campaign.
Message to fans – and a warning to ‘small minds’
Martinez reserved some of his strongest words for Argentina’s fans, praising their role in uniting the country and urging them not to let the final result overshadow the journey.
“وفوق كل ذلك، اشكركم انتم، لانكم منحتمونا حبكم ودعمكم وقوتكم، ذلك الشغف الذي يميزنا دايما، ووحدة شعب اتمنى ان تبقى راسخة مع مرور الزمن”.
He reminded supporters that losing the final did not erase the obstacles the team had overcome.
“ولجماهيرنا اقول: النتيجة لا تختصر الطريق الذي قطعناه. واجهنا الكثير من الصعوبات، وحققنا ما كان يبدو مستحيلا، ولم نبحث يوما عن الاعذار، بل وجدنا دايما اسبابا تدفعنا الى الاستمرار”.
Martinez stressed that representing Argentina went beyond what happened on the pitch.
“دافعنا عن الواننا بما يتجاوز حدود الملعب، وعشنا لحظات لا تنسى مع المنتخب، الى جانب عايلاتنا، وبدعمكم اللامحدود. وسيظل تمثيلكم شرفا عظيما بالنسبة لنا”.
He ended his message with a pointed remark aimed at those revelling in Argentina’s defeat.
“تذكروا دايما ان سقوط العظماء هو مصدر سعادة لاصحاب العقول الصغيرة. شكرا لكم جميعا. حافظوا على بلدنا. احبك يا ارجنتين”.
Respect for Spain’s ‘deserved’ title
Despite the disappointment, Martinez also took time to congratulate the new world champions, acknowledging the quality of Spain’s campaign.
“اود ان اهني اسبانيا على لقبها المستحق”.
Spain’s victory secured their second World Cup crown, adding to their 2010 triumph. Throughout the tournament, La Roja proved too strong for their opponents and, in the final, Argentina “لم يكن لدى ابطال العالم ثلاث مرات (1978، 1986، 2022) الوسايل اللازمة لتعطيل الة لا روخا التي لا تقهر، والتي توجت للمرة الثانية في تاريخها بعد عام 2010”.
Wider fallout and Messi speculation
Martinez’s intervention comes amid intense reaction in Argentina to the defeat and a wave of criticism directed at some members of the squad.
Local debate has also been fuelled by a cryptic social media message from captain Lionel Messi, which sparked a flurry of conspiracy theories about his future and the mood inside the camp.
“بعد اشتعال نظريات الموامرة.. والد نجم الارجنتين يفسر رسالة ميسي الغامضة”، reported local media, indicating that Messi’s father had to step in to clarify the context of the forward’s comments.
While Martinez did not address that controversy directly, his post appeared designed to defend the group, reinforce unity and remind supporters of the pride the players feel in representing Argentina – even in defeat.
