Aurora that guided Lisandro

Even about a year ago, Lisandro Martinez was a peripheral figure, mostly away from the eyes of football fans -- not because of a dip in form, but because of a serious injury that had taken a mental toll on the Manchester United defender and his family as well.

But on Saturday, he was one of the most pivotal figures in an Argentina shirt in their World Cup Round of 32 clash at the Miami Stadium, helping the defending champions survive a scare in a 3-2 win against tournament debutants Cape Verde.

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In a game that saw Cape Verde match the defending champions stride for stride until the very end of a 120-minute thriller, it was Lisandro’s visionary long pass from his own half that found captain Lionel Messi in space behind the Cape Verde defence. Messi, who has been in sublime form throughout the tournament, brought it down and finished at the near post to give Argentina the lead. It was Lisandro’s maiden World Cup assist.

Lisandro was there again when La Albiceleste needed him, this time restoring Argentina’s lead early in the first half of extra time with his maiden World Cup goal -- and only the second goal of his international career.

The numbers only tell part of the story. 

Just months ago, Lisandro admitted he had seriously contemplated retiring from professional football after suffering a devastating ACL injury, followed by another calf setback that prolonged his recovery.

The turning point, however, came away from the pitch. A month after his injury, Lisandro and his partner, Muri Lopez Benitez, welcomed their daughter, Aurora. The couple later described her arrival as life-changing, saying she gave everything "another meaning" and helped them stay present through one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

That renewed perspective carried the 28-year-old through months of gruelling rehabilitation, ultimately paving the way for the finest World Cup performance of his career. He became the first Argentine other than Messi to score and assist in the same World Cup match since Hernan Crespo and Carlos Tevez achieved the feat against Serbia in 2006.

Speaking after the match, Martinez made it clear who deserved the credit. “I am on cloud nine, happy. When I got injured, my daughter was born a month later. Thanks to her, I am here today. I dedicate it to her and to my wife,” he said.

“Everything I went through was very tough, but thanks to my club and my national team, today I am very happy. I am very grateful to the doctors, to the technical staff, today to be able to be here.”

For Martinez, Saturday's heroics were far more than a memorable World Cup display. They were the culmination of a battle that nearly ended his career -- and proof that sometimes the greatest comebacks begin with hope waiting at home.