Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez could call time on his international career after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday.
Martinez, 33, has won 67 caps for La Albiceleste and played all of their eight World Cup games. During the tournament, he kept two clean sheets and conceded eight goals.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was one of the silver linings for Lionel Scaloni’s side, which was largely outplayed by Luis de la Fuente’s side. He stood like a wall against Spain’s rampant attack, making numerous crucial saves.
He was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and won the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Martinez took to social media handle to reflect on the defeat in the FIFA World Cup final against La Roja.
View this post on Instagram
“I dreamt we’d win it again, I dreamt of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more,” Martinez wrote in a post on Instagram,” he said.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
He expressed his disappointment, saying he had given his best to help his side and teammates win the trophy, but it was not possible.
“The truth is, the pain is hard to explain. There are many things to reflect on and how to move forward, and if it’s time to step aside.”
“I’m so sorry, I truly tried my best to help my country and my team-mates,” he concluded
It is worth mentioning that Emi Martinez also won the Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or awards, in 2023 and 2024.
The goalkeeper has played for Aston Villa since 2020 and is under contract until 2029, but has been linked to a move to Italian side Juventus this summer.
READ: Fernandez insists Argentina represented themselves in ‘best way’ at World Cup
