Emi Martinez shares surprising news about his international future after Argentina’s World Cup final loss
Argentina’s goalkeeper Emi Martinez has hinted that his time playing for the national team might be coming to an end after their loss to Spain in the World Cup final.
Martinez made 11 saves—a record for any goalkeeper in a World Cup final—but couldn’t stop Ferran Torres from scoring the winning goal in extra time. This was Martinez’s eighth game in the tournament, starting every match for Argentina, and his 67th appearance overall.
The Aston Villa star has already had an incredible international career, playing a key part in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win. His crucial save against Randal Kolo Muani helped keep Argentina in the final in Qatar, and he also saved a penalty in the shootout, helping the team win their third World Cup and first since 1986.
After Sunday’s final in New York/New Jersey, Martinez was understandably upset and was seen crying on the bench as Spain celebrated.
With Argentina’s team averaging around 30 years old, the squad may change quite a bit by the next World Cup in 2030. The futures of Lionel Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni are also uncertain.
Martinez, now 33, seemed to suggest he might retire from international football in an Instagram message on Monday. Translated from Spanish, he wrote:
“I dreamed of winning it again; I dreamed of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more. Honestly, the pain is hard to put into words. Now I have to think a lot, figure out what’s next, and decide if it’s time to step aside. I’m truly sorry. I gave everything to help my country and my teammates.”
Messi also shared a heartfelt message on social media, saying the “pain is immense” and “will take time to heal” but didn’t say if he’ll retire. He thanked fans for their support and congratulated Spain on the win.
Scaloni, who has been coach since 2018 and led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and Copa América wins, said he might step down later this year. In a moving post-match press conference, he said:
“I’ll talk with the president of the AFA soon. I have an idea of what I want to do. I’ll finish my contract and then we’ll see. I need time to think because this was something huge — something everyone dreamed of. The players and coaching staff gave it our all until the end. I think it’s fair to take some time to reflect.
“Being here was a dream—none of us imagined this. To build a team like this again will be a huge challenge. It hurts a lot. I’m sorry.”