Lionel Messi continues to leave his mark on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring a brilliant goal in Argentina's 1-0 victory over Cape Verde on July 4. However, it was the assist from Lisandro Martínez that caught the attention of football icons Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Roy Keane.

Messi's goal came from a perfectly timed pass by Martínez, the central defender currently playing for Manchester United. Ibrahimovic, who has always recognized Messi's talent, praised the Argentine superstar's first touch and finishing ability, but he emphasized that Lisandro also deserves significant recognition for his contribution.

“The credit goes to Martínez. It was an incredible pass,” Ibrahimovic commented, highlighting that Manchester United has a player who can not only defend but also create opportunities from the back with quality touches. He even described the assist as one of the best of the tournament.

Roy Keane echoed Ibrahimovic's sentiments, noting that while Messi's goal deserved the spotlight, Lisandro's pass should not be overlooked. “Let’s forget about Messi's goal for a moment. Lisandro Martínez's pass was fantastic. His passing ability is impressive,” Keane stated. He pointed out that although the play seemed straightforward, it required exceptional power, vision, and precision.

Lisandro Martínez is becoming one of Argentina's most important players, contributing not only aggression in defense but also calmness on the ball, the ability to read the game, and the skill to initiate attacks from the back. These qualities are essential for top teams, where a central defender must not only clear the ball but also generate offensive opportunities.

As the tournament progresses, both Messi and Martínez are expected to play pivotal roles in Argentina's quest for World Cup glory.