Lisandro Martinez is one of several Argentine players back home celebrating his nation's FIFA World Cup success. While not a starter in every game, the Manchester United center-back played his role as La Albiceleste won this prestigious tournament for the third time in history.
The South American giants beat France on penalties in the curtain closer in what was arguably the best final ever, with Messi scoring a brace while Kylian Mbappe bagged a hat-trick en route to a 3-3 draw.
However, despite ending his country's 36-year wait for this trophy, the Old Trafford ace was sent a strong message by his club manager Erik ten Hag, who is gearing up for the resumption of the Premier League on Boxing Day.
The Red Devils have already been in action, facing Burnley in the Carabao Cup and winning 2-0, with Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford getting on the scoresheet. However, all eyes are on their upcoming Premier League game, with Manchester United returning to action on December 27 against Nottingham Forest.
While Ten Hag is happy to see Lisandro, a player who he worked with at Ajax as well, lift the FIFA World Cup, the Dutch tactician made sure to send out an important reminder: do not lose focus on the ongoing Premier League campaign.
"[Martinez] has been celebrating in Buenos Aires and I can understand that. It's the highest you can achieve," Ten Hag said, as per the Daily Mail.
"But also, Lisandro Martinez has to accept that on the 27th the Premier League will go on."
Ten Hag will be without his preferred center-back pairing of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez for Tuesday's fixture, hence the aforementioned comment. Speaking of Varane, the Theatre of Dreams boss had kind words for the Frenchman after Les Bleus' defeat in the final, with the former Real Madrid star limping off the pitch after giving it his all throughout the tournament.
"Of course [Varane] is disappointed about losing but I think also he can be proud that he was again in the final and of all that he achieved already in his career," Ten Hag added.
The Red Devils get their season back underway with a home clash against relegation-battling Nottingham Forest before facing Wolves and Bournemouth. After that are back-to-back cup games against Everton and Charlton before two blockbuster clashes with Manchester City and Arsenal on consecutive weekends.
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