Argentina urged to set aside World Cup pain for Lionel Messi tribute

Lisandro Martinez has urged Argentina to move beyond their World Cup final defeat by Spain as the nation prepares to honour captain Lionel Messi in a major farewell event.

The Manchester United centre-back arrived in Buenos Aires on Tuesday morning and joined Argentina’s 37-player squad for the latest international gathering.

Argentina’s players are still dealing with the disappointment of losing the final, but Martinez said their attention must now turn to celebrating Messi’s international career.

A tribute to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is being held at the Estadio Monumental, which has sold out for the occasion. The event has been organised by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and is being presented as a landmark evening in the capital.

Every member of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup has been formally invited, with the families of those players also due to attend.

Martinez admitted the defeat remains painful, but said the players should recognise their achievements during the tournament and enjoy the opportunity to celebrate Messi with supporters.

“There is a lot of pain. It is preferable not to dwell on it, but we also have to highlight the tremendous effort we put in throughout the entire tournament,” Martinez said via ESPN Argentina.

“Without a doubt, we had a great World Cup, but it hurts all of us to have lost the final.”

He added: “Now we are here, back in our home country, and we are going to enjoy it.”

The Argentina squad’s gathering comes as preparations continue for the AFA’s tribute to Messi, who is also regarded by the organisation as the symbol of the national team.

AFA president Claudio Tapia said the event would give Argentina the chance to recognise the contribution of their captain.

“To invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andres Messi, so that he can receive the send-off he truly deserves,” Tapia said.