Martínez made it through the group stage after recovering in time for Argentina’s three victories, but he was rarely stretched. The knockout phase is different: one mistake can end a campaign, and Cape Verde will provide a sharper examination of his handling, positioning and distribution.
The report says Martínez received strong support from Lionel Scaloni while weighing up surgery. His decision to continue with conservative treatment now appears to have produced the outcome Argentina wanted, although the absence of finger protection will remain a storyline until he gets through the match.
Argentina’s defensive picture is less settled. Cristian Romero is reportedly progressing after a knee problem forced him off against Austria, but there is still no confirmation that the Tottenham Hotspur defender will be fit to start.
If Romero is unavailable, Nicolás Otamendi appears the likeliest replacement alongside Lisandro Martínez. Otamendi’s experience would offer Argentina leadership in a high-pressure tie, even if Romero’s recovery would provide greater continuity at the heart of the defence.
For Scaloni, the priority is preserving balance. Martínez’s return to full protection-free goalkeeping would be a major boost, but the centre-back decision could shape how aggressively Argentina defend from the opening whistle.
Friday’s meeting with Cape Verde will therefore test more than Argentina’s attacking quality. It should reveal whether Martínez’s finger is truly ready for the demands of knockout football - and whether Romero can rejoin a defence preparing for the tournament’s decisive stages.