Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez showed his class as he consoled teammate Raphael Varane after Argentina won the World Cup by beating France in Sunday's final.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe shone on the world's biggest stage as they lived up to expectations by putting on a show for what is arguably the most exciting final in recent memory. Neither country could be separated after 120 minutes of scintillating football, as a thrilling 3-3 draw led to the South American side winning the tournament in a penalty shoot-out.
There was set to be heartbreak for one United player on Sunday, as Varane and Martinez came up against one another. The French centre-back was picked by Didier Deschamps in his starting XI, with Lionel Scaloni naming the Argentine on the bench.
Despite being opponents on the day, the bond the pair have formed under Erik ten Hag was clear to see as the full-time whistle went. The contrast in emotions between the French and Argentinians was clear to see, with the highs and lows of football being shown in bright contrast.
Martinez had every right to join in with the celebrations of his teammates and party the night away without a care in the world, yet the 24-year-old displayed a wisdom beyond his years amid the jubilant scenes of his country's historic victory.
The United man headed over to Varane to console his fellow defender as the pair shared a warm embrace. The former Ajax defender could be seen reassuring and comforting the former Real Madrid man as Martinez made sure to check that he was okay in the wake of the final - before shaking the hand of his international teammate Antoine Griezmann.
Ten Hag would have been delighted to see his preferred defensive unit showing such a great connection. The Dutchman will need both Martinez and Varane fully fit upon their return to Old Trafford in their pursuit for a Champions League place in the second half of the season.
United return to competitive action after the World Cup with a Carabao Cup clash against Burnley on December 21, with their Premier League campaign restarting with a match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on December 27.
Varane and Martinez will be given time to rest and recover following an exhausting month of action in the Middle East, but fans will be delighted to see the duo's bond strengthening after Sunday's final, as they look forward to watching the pair in United red once again in the very near future.
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