Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez has dismissed what he sees as an unjustified campaign against the national team following their controversial run to the 2026 World Cup final, insisting critics “have no real reason” to dislike them.
The Manchester United centre-back spoke after Argentina finished runners-up at the 2026 tournament, where their behaviour was heavily scrutinised and described in some quarters as excessively aggressive.
Argentina’s image came under sustained fire during and after the competition, with several incidents cited by observers as evidence of a confrontational attitude on the pitch. The debate intensified following their defeat in the final by Spain, a result that secured a historic second World Cup star for La Roja.
That match, and Argentina’s conduct throughout the tournament, fuelled claims that the Albiceleste had crossed a line in terms of gamesmanship and aggression, despite reaching a second successive World Cup final.
Speaking to French outlet Foot Mercato, Martinez rejected suggestions that Argentina had become football’s villains and hit back at the tone of the criticism aimed at the squad.
“Anti-Argentina campaign? I’m a bit annoyed, because they don’t have any real reason to hate us!” he said, responding directly to accusations that the team’s behaviour was out of order in 2026.
Martinez, 28, has been a key figure for both club and country, known for his combative style of defending, and has often found himself at the heart of the debate around Argentina’s on-field approach. However, he insisted that the players’ mindset is rooted in respect rather than arrogance.
He rejected claims that the Argentina squad had allowed success to go to their heads, after arriving at the 2026 World Cup as defending champions.
“They say we are arrogant, but that reflects who they are more than it reflects who we are. We have always respected all our opponents,” Martinez continued.
The centre-back underlined that, inside the camp, Argentina’s players remain convinced they have conducted themselves properly, despite the storm of criticism. He stressed that, from their perspective, intensity and competitiveness should not be mistaken for a lack of respect.
By reiterating that message, Martinez sought to draw a clear line between Argentina’s image in some parts of the media and how the squad see themselves, particularly in the wake of a painful defeat on the biggest stage.
The defender’s comments highlight the growing sense within the Argentina camp that they are being unfairly portrayed, even as they acknowledge the controversies that have surrounded them at recent major tournaments.
For Martinez, the focus now is on defending the reputation of a group he believes has consistently shown respect towards rivals, regardless of the emotions and tensions that accompanied their 2026 World Cup campaign and the final loss to Spain.
