Before playing a single minute, why has MU unexpectedly started training with Messi?

Defender Lisandro Martinez will still join the national team training with Argentina despite not having returned to competitive play yet.

Manchester United’s defender Lisandro Martinez is currently approaching his return to the pitch after a serious knee injury, although he has not yet played any matches for the club.

According to sources from TyC Sports, the 1998-born center-back will join Argentina’s national team training camp in Spain to reintegrate with captain Lionel Messi and teammates in preparation for upcoming matches.

Martinez is a regular name in coach Lionel Scaloni’s call-ups. With the aim of the 2026 World Cup, the Man Utd star has begun his preparations to return to the national team. The defender list also includes Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, and Juan Foyth.

Martinez suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee in February during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace. After months of recovery, he returned to training at the Carrington Training Center a few weeks ago, warmly welcomed by his teammates.

Although he has resumed training with Man Utd, he has not played and did not participate in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham, but he may appear on the bench for the match against Everton on November 24 after the FIFA break. Up to this point in the 2025/26 season, Martinez has yet to play any minutes. However, given the current situation, he is likely to return soon in what promises to be a challenging season for the Old Trafford club.

The former Ajax player was a cornerstone in helping La Albiceleste win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and secured Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, with a total of 26 appearances and one goal scored in the quarterfinal against Ecuador.

Regarding the Argentina national team, Lionel Scaloni and his players will train for a few days in Spain before traveling to Angola for a friendly match against the host nation.

Next March, Messi and his teammates are expected to face Spain, the reigning European champions, in the Intercontinental Supercup (Finalissima), before starting their campaign to defend the World Cup title in 2026.

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