Lisandro Martinez could be set for further disappointment as the effects of Argentina's embarrassing display at the World Cup final continue to have an impact. The Manchester United defender, 28, was a first-half casualty after going down with injury during the 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in New Jersey on Sunday.
Post-match incidents spark FIFA probe
Argentina's post-match attacks on Spain drew vigorous criticism, with Leandro Paredes shoving Eric Garcia's throat and grappling Gavi to the turf. Martinez was among those trying to break up the mess, while Nahuel Molina also seemed to strike Spain captain Rodri. FIFA has opened a formal probe, appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine the disturbances.
Rankings shake-up
Argentina have been budged from the top of FIFA's world rankings. Spain sit top on 1995.88 points, collecting 30.27 ranking points for their World Cup final triumph. Argentina slip to second on 1970.37, followed by France, England and Brazil in the top five. Morocco, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands and Mexico complete the top 10.
Separate investigation over Falklands banner
Argentina also face a separate FIFA investigation following their semi-final celebrations against England, where a number of players brandished a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' (The Falkland Islands are Argentinian). Martinez was among those seen holding the banner, along with Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso. The banner appeared to breach tournament regulations prohibiting political messages.
