Overview
- Martínez featured in Argentina’s 2-0 friendly win over Honduras on Sunday and helped the team keep a clean sheet while nearly scoring with an overhead/bicycle-kick attempt that sailed over the bar.
- Argentine outlets gave Martínez measured ratings of six and praised his defensive solidity, intensity and improved conditioning after a season disrupted by injuries.
- He was substituted shortly after the hour mark for Cristian Romero, a move that media noted as part of normal rotation rather than a sign of fitness trouble.
- Martínez secured a place in Scaloni’s World Cup squad despite making just 18 league appearances this season for Manchester United because of earlier knee and calf problems and a late run of starts.
- A composed friendly performance and the viral acrobatic moment could boost Martínez’s chances of winning a starting spot and raise his profile ahead of the tournament and the summer transfer window.