Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has responded to Kylian Mbappe's insistence that the Euros are more difficult to win than the World Cup.
Mbappe, who recently signed with Real Madrid, shared his perspective on the eve of the Euros, stating: "In my opinion, it's a more challenging competition than a World Cup." He added: "It's very tough starting from group stages. It's a competition we haven't won for 24 years which is huge."
Martinez, who was an unused substitute when Argentina triumphed over Mbappe's France on penalties to clinch the World Cup in Qatar in December 2022, has now countered the former PSG player's claims. When questioned about Mbappe's remarks, Martinez told Argentinian publication Clarin: "I leave his opinion up to him; I have a different view of things, I don't underestimate nor assume anything, all competitions are very hard to win."
The 26-year-old will be representing Argentina in his second Copa America this summer, tasked with helping to defend the title his national team secured in 2021. Argentina will be vying for their 16th Copa title, aiming to equal Uruguay as the most successful team in the world's oldest national team tournament, reports the Express.
'The Butcher', as he's known in Manchester, believes the humble approach is key to conquering a tournament like Copa America, driving this belief home as he stated: "The key to this group is its humility. We know what we've won and how important it is, but we want to keep winning. The important thing is to stay grounded; that's what makes us who we are. We go match by match knowing how important this team is."
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Despite a victorious end to a season with Manchester United, where he tasted FA Cup final success as the Red Devils triumphed over local rivals Manchester City 2-1, the £57million signing had a bumpy ride overall which saw him sidelined for 188 days of football due to persistent foot injuries. Martinez has now candidly opened up on the trials and tribulations of his turbulent season.
Mbappe believes the Euros are tougher to win than the World Cup (Sandra Ruhaut/Icon Sport via Getty Images)He said: "It wasn't a good season personally and as a team either. But one has to be prepared for when these things happen, these types of injuries. And you have to learn from them. I have to take it as an experience and be very strong physically and mentally. Today I feel excellent. I have to focus on what's happening now, in the present."
The upcoming tournament will have a poignant edge for Argentina as it also marks the final international appearance for Angel Di Maria, who declared his retirement from international football last season. The ex-United attacker has been pivotal in Argentina's recent triumphs, including their Copa America victory in 2021, the Finalissima in 2022, and their World Cup win later that year.
Di Maria in his Manchester United days (Getty)Martinez shared that while Di Maria's impending exit is significant, it doesn't overshadow their preparations or the camaraderie within the squad. He also said the squad cherish their moments together while fully recognising Di Maria's legendary status within the team.
"In the field, we don't talk about that at all. When you're here, you come and enjoy. We see 'Fide' (Di Maria's nickname) very happy and we stick with that," Martinez said. "There's no need to say we're going to fight for him. We try to enjoy every second with him, in training and matches, because we know what kind of legend he is."
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