Last time Lisandro Martinez was in Argentina it was one heck of a party. Tonight might be round two.
Lionel Scaloni's side return to Buenos Aires for their first match since lifting the World Cup in sensational style. It was a fairytale for all - Lionel Messi, his team-mates and the entire country.
The scenes in Argentina were remarkable as millions lined the streets, eager to share in the satisfaction of lifting the Jules Rimet for the first time since 1986. For the players it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As Erik ten Hag said of Manchester United centre-back Martinez ahead of the Reds' first game since Qatar: "He is still celebrating now in Buenos Aires now, going around in the touring car. It, it is very emotional when you achieve this World Cup success"
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Martinez was front and centre, maybe not quite as front and centre as his namesake and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi, but the 25-year-old took great pride in the achievement.
"The celebrations were crazy," he said. "One thing that really hits home is how happy you've made everybody back home. It's incredible now to sit back and see how happy we've made everyone.
"I have to look at images and videos for it to sink in because the idea that we actually won it, to see the enormity of that reality, you have to look at the images to know it's true."
And it might well be more of the same tonight, it may only be a friendly against Panama (11.30pm kick off GMT) but it's not the level of opposition that matters, or even the match, it is being there.
More than 1.5 million fans applied for 63,000 available public tickets, sold within two hours of going on sale. The cheapest cost 12,000 pesos and the most expensive 49,000 pesos, more than half the average monthly salary in Argentina. More than 130,000 journalists requested media accreditation for 344 spaces. The government moved to ensure the game will be shown free on television.
Manager Scaloni will field a strong team, determined to give the Argentina public the chance to see those heroes who lifted the trophy a little over three months ago, play in the flesh. "I'd like for the people [in the stadium] to watch their players," he said.
But the boss is certainly not resting on his laurels, adding: "The message is that a new process is beginning: the pitch is what rules. From there on those who are world champions have no advantage, we will have to keep working. The Argentina shirt doesn't allow you not to give your best, that's clear to us."
For Martinez and Co, the challenge is simple. To right another historic chapter in the annals of a proud football country. If they repeat the feat achieved last winter in 2026, that might just be the biggest party yet.
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