Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was in tears after being forced off with an injury during the first half of the World Cup final against Spain. The 28-year-old, who started alongside Tottenham's Cristian Romero in central defence, had to be substituted just before half-time following a painful incident.
First-Half Drama
The opening 45 minutes were tight and nervy, with Spain looking more likely to score. Argentina failed to register a single shot in the first half. Marc Cucurella curled an effort just wide of Emi Martinez's goal in the 43rd minute, moments before Martinez hit the floor.
Martinez had been booked for a late foul on Mikel Oyarzabal moments earlier, stopping a Spanish counter-attack. However, the defender, nicknamed 'The Butcher', was unable to continue and was replaced by former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi.
Emotional Exit
Martinez left the pitch in tears, visibly devastated by the injury that ended his World Cup final participation. The extent of the injury is not yet known, but it is a cruel blow for the Argentina international, who had been a key figure in their run to the final.
According to Mirror Sport, there will be more updates on this breaking story as they become available.
