Argentine media have pointed to a Lisandro Martinez problem that has spilled over from his Manchester United struggles during international duty. Martinez played the full match as Argentina's post-Lionel Messi era began with an underwhelming friendly defeat at home to neighbours Uruguay.
The United defender had a reasonable game and was not panned by local media. However, one outlet blamed his club form for his shaky relationship with centre-back partner Leonardo Balerdi, who had a nightmare game that included an early second-half own goal. Maximiliano Araujo doubled the lead soon after, with Julian Alvarez pulling a goal back.
Mixed Reviews from Argentine Media
TyC Sports, which gave Martinez a rating of 5/10, wrote: "He's not enjoying his best form at United, and it showed somewhat in his confidence and understanding with his centre-back partner."
"While he didn't make any major errors, his involvement in Uruguay's first goal wasn't his best and didn't live up to his other excellent performances. He had to be overly alert in his tackles due to Balerdi's poor positioning."
Ole was slightly more generous, giving him 6/10 and saying: "He avoided some headaches with several timely interceptions when tracking back. He was solid when called upon to play out from the back."
"He was unlucky on Uruguay's opening goal, with a headed clearance that struck Balerdi and left [keeper Geronimo] Rulli with no chance."
La Nacion's Assessment
Meanwhile, La Nacion gave him 5/10 for a "mixed performance." The outlet said: "The Manchester United centre-back alternated between winning and losing duels."
"He tried, as always, to provide a clean outlet and advance the ball when Uruguay allowed it. He didn't look out of place and wasn't responsible for the goals."
Argentina round off the international break with a home friendly against Costa Rica on Tuesday. Martinez will then fly back to Manchester to start work under countryman Mauricio Pochettino, who officially starts work on Wednesday.
Season of Struggles at United
Martinez has had a troubled start to the season, struggling for form, publicly lashing out at director of football Jason Wilcox, and picking up a needless red card against Chelsea. After serving his suspension against Aston Villa, he will be available for the trip to Liverpool on November 22.
Martinez is in the final year of his contract and, given his form and comments about Wilcox, it would be no surprise to see him depart, possibly as early as January, unless Pochettino's influence can lift his game. The 28-year-old has been mentioned as a possible target for Barcelona.
