Lisandro Martinez Arrives in Argentina Ahead of Lionel Messi's Farewell Match

Lisandro Martinez has touched down in Buenos Aires ready to make the most of Lionel Messi's farewell match, even with the pain of Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain still fresh in the squad.

The Manchester United defender arrived in the Argentine capital on Tuesday morning to link up with the 37 man squad called up for this international camp. Speaking to reporters shortly after landing, Martinez didn't shy away from the disappointment still hanging over the group, but said it was time to move on and focus on giving Messi the send off he deserves at the Estadio Monumental.

Asked about the final defeat to Spain, Martinez told ESPN Argentina it was still hard to talk about. "A lot of pain, it's preferable not to dwell on it, but we also have to highlight the tremendous effort we put in throughout the entire tournament," he said.

He added that despite the disappointment, there is still a lot the squad can be proud of. "Without a doubt, we had a great World Cup, but it hurts all of us to have lost the final," Martinez said.

Looking ahead to Messi's big night in front of the home fans, he sounded much more upbeat. "Now we are here, back in our home country, and we are going to enjoy it," he said.

The AFA has put together a major tribute for Messi at a sold out Monumental, honouring the eight time Ballon d'Or winner's international career. AFA president Claudio Tapia explained why the occasion means so much to the federation. 

"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," he said.

The federation has also invited the entire 2022 World Cup winning squad, along with their families, to be present in Buenos Aires for what promises to be an emotional night.