Lisandro Martínez put Argentina’s celebrations aside to console Manchester United team-mate Kobbie Mainoo after England’s World Cup semi-final defeat.
Argentina secured a dramatic 2-1 victory in Atlanta after scoring twice during the closing stages.
Enzo Fernández cancelled out Anthony Gordon’s opener before Lautaro Martínez headed home Lionel Messi’s cross in stoppage time.
The result sent Argentina into Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain and ended England’s hopes of winning the tournament.
However, Lisandro Martínez quickly sought out Mainoo after the final whistle. Footage showed the defender embracing the midfielder and spending time speaking to him on the pitch.
Manchester United later shared footage of Martínez consoling Mainoo following a difficult evening for the young midfielder.
United bond remains clear after England defeat
Mainoo remained an unused substitute against Argentina and has yet to play a minute during England’s tournament.
Thomas Tuchel has preferred Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham and several other midfield options throughout the competition.
The 21-year-old still joined England’s celebrations during their run to the semi-finals, but his lack of involvement will have made the defeat even harder to process.
Martínez had every reason to celebrate after helping Argentina move one victory away from retaining the trophy. His decision to check on Mainoo offered another reminder of the bond between the United players.
As Read Man Utd reported after the semi-final, Martínez will now prepare to face Spain while Mainoo and Marcus Rashford remain with England for Saturday’s third-place play-off against France.
Mainoo will return to Manchester after the tournament and rejoin Michael Carrick’s squad following his required break.
He rebuilt his United career under Carrick last season and remains part of the manager’s plans despite enduring a frustrating World Cup.
Martínez’s gesture could not change the result, but it showed that their United connection remained intact after an emotionally charged semi-final.
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