Emiliano Martínez
Aston Villa · UEFA Europa Conference League · Goalkeeper · #23 · Argentina · 33 yrs
Emiliano Martínez news
Emiliano Martínez casts doubt on Argentina future after 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain
Despite arriving as top contenders, Argentina were defeated by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. After several hours of silence, Emiliano Martínez decided to say a few words to the fans, casting doubt over his future with La Albiceleste. Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Argentina established as one of the best national teams, due to their attacking brilliance. After coming from behind against England, they entered the final as one of the top contenders, but were defeated by Spain. Following this, several stars have already broken their silence by addressing the fans. Emiliano Martínez has been the latest to do so, casting doubt over his future with the Albiceleste. “I dreamed that we would win it again. I dreamed of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more. The truth is, the pain is difficult to explain. Now it’s time to reflect on many things and see how to move forward, and whether it’s time to step aside. I’m truly sorry. I really gave everything I had to help my country and my teammates,” Emiliano Martinez said on his Instagram profile. Despite Emiliano Martínez remaining one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he has decided to reflect on his future. Already 33 years old, he would be 37 by the time the 2030 World Cup arrives, possibly no longer at his best. Coming off a heroic performance in the current tournament, his possible retirement from the Albiceleste does not seem to make much sense, as he is still superior to the backup options available. Emiliano Martínez was Argentina’s best player at the 2026 World Cup. In the middle of Spain‘s attacking onslaught, the 33-year-old goalkeeper was the player who touched the ball the most and completed the most passes for his national team. In addition, he kept the team alive for 106 minutes, making numerous saves. Therefore, his possible retirement from the Albiceleste would be a major blow. Nico Williams #17 of Spain heads the ball saved by Emiliano Martinez #23 of Argentina. Emiliano Martínez eclipsed Unai Simon at the 2026 World Cup At the end of the 2026 World Cup final, Unai Simón received the Golden Glove award in recognition of his outstanding performances. Having conceded just one goal, he kept seven clean sheets in eight matches, allowing him to break an all-time tournament record. However, the fans do not seem to agree with FIFA’s award, as Emiliano Martínez had a better performance throughout the tournament. According to Opta Analyst on its website, Emiliano made 20 saves throughout the World Cup, facing more chances than Unai Simón, who made only nine saves during the tournament. In addition, Argentina faced major defensive problems, while Spain had one of the best defenses in the tournament. With this significant difference, the 33-year-old star was considered the clear deserving winner of the Golden Glove award. Who could replace Emiliano Martinez in Argentina’s future? Throughout the last few years, head coach Lionel Scaloni has had Emiliano Martínez as his undisputed starter. In the middle of his possible retirement, Juan Musso and Gerónimo Rulli emerge as the clear options in the short term for the 2028 Copa América. However, both are over 31 years old, making them unlikely for the 2030 World Cup. Therefore, Argentina set their sights on a promising goalkeeper. Santiago Beltrán emerges as Argentina’s biggest prospect for the future. At just 21 years old, he is already River Plate’s starting goalkeeper, delivering solid performances. In addition, head coach Lionel Scaloni already called him up for two friendlies: vs. Honduras and vs. Iceland before the 2026 World Cup. If he continues his progress, he could be the great hope to be the starter in the 2030 edition, where they will look to win the title again.
Luis de la Fuente explains why Spain couldn’t finish off Argentina earlier in World Cup final
Following a tight 1-0 victory, head coach Luis de la Fuente explained why Spain was unable to put the game away earlier against Argentina. Luis de la Fuente has guided Spain through a historic 2026 World Cup run to claim the nation’s second global title following a thrilling 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina at MetLife Stadium. During his postgame remarks, the Spanish manager opened up about the tactical battle and why his team was unable to put the game away during regulation. Speaking at the post-match press conference, De la Fuente expressed immense pride in his squad’s journey: “So much pride in this generation of footballers who have kept growing with this philosophy, setting an example of a group, a team, a family. Having accompanied them on this journey is an honor for me.“ He revealed an emotional locker room exchange where his own players recognized the magnitude of what they had achieved over the last two years, pairing their Euro 2024 crown with the World Cup trophy. “I am very moved. We have talked a lot with the players. ‘Mister,’ they told me, ‘we have won everything, everything.’ That is an example for Spanish youth, for Spain. Together we are stronger,” he added. Despite controlling the tempo and dominating possession over almost the entire 120 minutes, De la Fuente also addressed the team’s missed opportunities in front of the net: “I believe the match should have been decided sooner. Dibu’s great saves prevented the game from being settled earlier. But since we like to suffer, we have shown that we are prepared for anything.“ Nico Williams #17 of Spain heads the ball saved by Emiliano Martinez #23 of Argentina. Dibu Martinez, the lone bright spot for Argentina Amid an otherwise uninspired performance from Argentina, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez served as the team’s ultimate safety net, making a series of stellar saves to keep his side alive in a final where they were heavily outplayed. After enduring a relatively quiet and occasionally shaky tournament by his lofty standards, “Dibu” proved his world-class pedigree once again when the Albiceleste needed it most. During the grueling 120-minute battle against Spain, Martinez racked up an astonishing 11 saves, single-handedly dragging Argentina into extra time. To put that masterclass into perspective, the Aston Villa standout had combined for just 16 saves over his previous 14 World Cup appearances, illustrating just how much worse the scoreline could have been for the Albiceleste without their star keeper between the posts.
List of World Cup Golden Glove winners: Every best goalkeeper award by year
The list of Golden Glove winner is short, but the goalkeepers in it had great performances. Every player on a team is important for success at the highest level of competition, but goalkeepers didn’t get recognized with a positional award until 1994 with the prize that is now called the Golden Glove. In its origin the trophy was named the Lev Yashin Award that determined who was the best goalkeeper of the competition. The name logically referred to the Soviet former player who remains the best ever at the position for many people. This was changed for the 2010 edition, when the award was renamed the Golden Glove. Being relatively new compared to the history of the competition, there have only been eight winners of the prized award, with four of them also becoming champions. The winner is chosen by FIFA’s Technical Study Group. Every Golden Glove winner World CupGolden Glove winnerTeamClean sheetsTeam’s finish1994Michel Preud’hommeBelgium2Round of 161998Fabien BarthezFrance5Champions2002Oliver Kahn*Germany5Runners-up2006Gianluigi BuffonItaly5Champions2010Iker CasillasSpain5Champions2014Manuel NeuerGermany4Champions2018Thibaut CourtoisBelgium3Third place2022Emiliano MartínezArgentina3Champions2026Unai SimónSpain7Champions*Also won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player in 2002.
Video: Ferran Torres scores in second extra time for Spain against Argentina in 2026 World Cup final
Ferran Torres scored the opening goal for Spain in the 2026 World Cup against Argentina in extra time to give La Roja the avantage. Spain has finally broken the deadlock in a highly defensive 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. Despite dominant spells of possession throughout regulation, La Roja found a way past a resilient Argentine defensive unit and a heavily active Emiliano Martinez with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal in extra time. While dominating possession and creating the bulk of the chances against a 10-man Argentina squad—following Enzo Fernandez’s late red card—Spain was initially unable to shatter the 0-0 stalemate. The defining breakthrough finally arrived in the 106th minute, right at the start of the second half of extra time. Spain bypassed Argentina’s defensive lines with a well-targeted long ball over the top. Nico Williams chased it down, making a brilliant run behind the backline before heading a precise pass back toward the center of the box. Ferran Torres anticipated the bounce perfectly, unleashing a powerful half-volley that left Martinez with no chance to save, putting Spain ahead 1-0. IT'S FERRAN TORRES IN THE FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL 🇪🇸THE ENTIRE SPAIN BENCH GOES TO CELEBRATE WITH HIM! pic.twitter.com/RVRXvnyOXG— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 19, 2026 Ferran Torres and a clutch World Cup run Despite not being a locked-in starter for Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, Ferran Torres managed to make a massive impact from the substitutes’ bench during the 2026 World Cup, particularly when the team was desperate to break a deadlock. His first clutch moment came in the Round of 16 against Portugal, when he entered the match in the 75th minute for Alex Baena. In the 91st minute of that cagey affair, he delivered a pinpoint pass to Mikel Merino, who scored the lone goal of the game to send Spain through to the quarterfinal round. Once again, when it mattered most and with Spain searching for a solution, Torres subbed into the match in the 61st minute for Mikel Oyarzabal, sliding into a center-forward role. The bold gamble by De la Fuente paid off beautifully, as the Barcelona forward found his space on the pitch to score the biggest goal of the tournament and secure Spain its second World Cup star.
How old will Lionel Messi and Argentina’s 2026 World Cup players be in 2030, and could they return?
With today's 2026 World Cup final on deck, questions are already swirling over whether Lionel Messi and his supporting cast can defy the aging curve to return for the 2030 tournament. Lionel Messi has once again guided Argentina to a World Cup final, this time anchoring a deeply talented supporting cast during the 2026 tournament in North America. As fans and pundits immediately begin to wonder whether the legendary playmaker could realistically push for the 2030 World Cup, a look at the roster reveals a stark divide between core players who will still be in their athletic primes and veterans who are likely facing their international curtain call. Born on June 24, 1987, Messi was 38 years old when the 2026 tournament kicked off on June 11. Having successfully navigated a grueling group stage and knockout run all the way to the final, the Inter Miami star recently celebrated his 39th birthday on the pitch, continuing to defy typical aging curves with a masterclass of tournament orchestration. The 2030 World Cup will mark a unique centennial celebration, with the opening matches scheduled for June 8 and 9 in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay before the tournament moves entirely to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. By the time that tournament kicks off, Messi will be 42 years old, meaning that if the Albiceleste were to make another deep run with their captain on the roster, the icon would turn 43 before the final whistle. The overarching question is whether Messi will even be active by the turn of the decade. His current contract with MLS side Inter Miami runs through December 2028, at which point he will be 41 years old. When pressed on his longevity, the Argentine captain has consistently maintained that his future depends entirely on how his body feels, taking the exact same year-by-year approach that ultimately allowed him to feature in the 2026 cycle. Lautaro Martinez #22, Cristian Romero #13, Emiliano Martinez #23 and Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina sing the national anthem Argentina stars in their prime or approaching retirement? When looking at the roster flanking Messi, the squad dynamics will inevitably shift heavily before the 2030 cycle. The most definitive departure will be veteran center back Nicolas Otamendi, currently 38, who has already confirmed that this North American campaign represents his final appearance in the famous sky-blue and white jersey. Slightly younger foundational pieces will face their own race against time, including goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez (33), fullback Nicolas Tagliafico (33), and midfielders Leandro Paredes (32) and Rodrigo De Paul (32). While modern goalkeepers routinely excel well into their late 30s, the three outfield players have logged immense physical miles as the high-intensity engine room of Argentina’s modern golden era. Conversely, a dominant core of the current starting eleven will be entering their early 30s, right in the sweet spot of veteran experience. This includes Lisandro Martinez (28), Cristian “Cuti” Romero (28), Alexis Mac Allister (27), Lautaro Martinez (28), and Julian Alvarez (26), while rising talents like Nico Paz (21), Valentin Barco (21), and Giuliano Simeone (23) are poised to be fully established European stars by 2030. Projected ages for Argentina’s 2030 World Cup cycle PlayerAge in 2026 World CupAge in 2030 World CupEmiliano Martinez3337Juan Musso3236Geronimo Rulli3438Nahuel Molina2832Gonzalo Montiel2933Cristian Romero2832Lisandro Martinez2832Nicolas Otamendi3842Marcos Senesi2933Facundo Medina2731Nicolas Tagliafico3337Leandro Paredes3236Exequiel Palacios2731Giovani Lo Celso3034Valentin Barco2125Rodrigo De Paul3236Alexis Mac Allister2731Enzo Fernandez2529Giuliano Simeone2327Nico Paz2125Nicolas Gonzalez2832Thiago Almada2529Lionel Messi3943Julian Alvarez2630Lautaro Martinez2832Jose Manuel Lopez2529
Who will sing the national anthems before Spain vs Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final?
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup final has reached its final hours, with Spain and Argentina preparing for one of the biggest matches in soccer history. Before the action begins at MetLife Stadium, however, fans will also be treated to a special pre-match ceremony, and the identity of one of the featured anthem performers has generated plenty of discussion ahead of kickoff. The countdown to the 2026 World Cup final has reached its final hours, with Spain and Argentina preparing for one of the biggest matches in soccer history. Before the action begins at MetLife Stadium, however, fans will also be treated to a special pre-match ceremony, and the identity of one of the featured anthem performers has generated plenty of discussion ahead of kickoff. As excitement builds around the championship clash, many supporters have been asking who will take center stage before the first whistle. The answer adds another layer to an event already packed with music, entertainment and global stars, making the final far more than a battle for the sport’s biggest prize. The final brings together two of the world’s strongest national teams after remarkable campaigns in North America. Spain has reached the championship match after producing perhaps the tournament’s most complete performances, conceding only one goal in seven matches while defeating France 2-0 in the semifinals. Argentina, meanwhile, arrives as the defending world champion after surviving a dramatic route to the final. Lionel Messi‘s side staged an extraordinary comeback against England in the semifinals, extending an unbeaten tournament run that has included seven consecutive victories. Argentina vs Spain StatisticsH2H RecordTotal Matches Played14Argentina Wins6Spain Wins6Draws2 The stakes could hardly be higher. Argentina is attempting to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend a World Cup title, while Spain is chasing its second World Cup crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 2010. Who will perform Argentina’s national anthem? Argentina’s national anthem will have a familiar voice representing the defending champions before the nation’s meeting with Spain. Argentine singer María Becerra has been confirmed to perform the Himno Nacional Argentino before the World Cup final. Lautaro Martinez #22, Cristian Romero #13, Emiliano Martinez #23 and Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina sing the national anthem The performance adds another Argentine presence to a final already filled with national pride. Argentina enters the match hoping to complete a historic achievement by becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive men’s World Cup titles. The national team arrives after a dramatic semifinal victory over England, where Lionel Messi and his teammates side secured a 2-1 win. Messi has been central throughout the tournament, contributing goals and assists in every match while continuing his pursuit of another unforgettable chapter with Argentina. Who will perform Spain’s national anthem? Spain’s anthem situation is different from Argentina’s and the United States because the Marcha Real has no official lyrics. As a result, Spain’s national anthem will be played instrumentally rather than performed by a singer. Players pf Spain line up for the national anthem The absence of a singer does not reduce the importance of the moment for Spain. Luis de la Fuente’s team enters the final after an outstanding tournament, winning seven consecutive matches and conceding only one goal before facing Argentina. Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semifinal and has been considered one of the most complete teams in the competition. With players such as Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal leading the charge, Spain hopes to add another World Cup trophy to the one won in 2010. Who will perform United States’ national anthem? Although the United States will not participate in the World Cup final, the host nation will still have a special role before Spain and A
Report: Rodrigo De Paul expected to return to Lionel Messi’s Argentina starting XI for 2026 World Cup final against Spain
Argentina face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, and Rodrigo De Paul could return to the starting lineup alongside Lionel Messi. Lionel Messi will chase his second title when Argentina face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium. For this crucial match, Rodrigo De Paul has a real chance of returning to the starting lineup. According to ESPN’s Martin Arevalo, the Inter Miami midfielder is expected to return to Argentina’s starting lineup against Spain, reclaiming his spot in midfield after starting the semifinal win over England from the bench. Lionel Scaloni is reportedly planning two changes to the side that beat England, both coming on the right side of the field. Alongside De Paul‘s return, Gonzalo Montiel is in line to start at right-back, with Nahuel Molina expected to make way. Argentine insider Gaston Edul reported that while the lineup will be finalized by tomorrow at noon, Scaloni left both Nicolas Gonzalez and Molina out of the starters during Argentina’s final training session. On to glory, again 🔜🏆 pic.twitter.com/GO9Lnqlb7q— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) July 15, 2026 In a press conference ahead of the match, Scaloni confirmed he still hasn’t settled on a team, noting that several players aren’t at 100% and that he’ll wait to see their condition on Sunday before finalizing his lineup. “We’re focused on rest right now. Based on that, we’ll see how they’re doing. Because there are players who aren’t at 100%. We’ll see how they are, and then decide what team we put out on Sunday,” the Argentina coach said. Argentina’s potential lineup Should the reports from Argentina’s insiders be confirmed, this would be the team to face Spain: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
How many 2022 World Cup champions are in Argentina’s 2026 final squad?
The continuity has been a huge reason for the 2026 World Cup participation for Argentina as most of their players were present in Qatar. The final of the 2026 World Cup has Argentina and Spain as the last teams remaining in the competition, making it Argentina’s second consecutive appearance after beating France in Qatar. While the team has many strengths, continuity may be the main reason Argentina are once again where they are. Helped by a squad that had already gone through a renewal process, most of the same players remain and have continued to deliver strong performances. From the team that won the title four years ago, 17 players are still part of the squad. Gerónimo Rulli, Emiliano Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez are the players who were selected for both squads. The 2026 team Goalkeepers: Juan Musso, Gerónimo Rulli, and Emiliano Martínez. The team of the final (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Defenders: Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Medina, and Nahuel Molina. Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentín Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolás González, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández. Forwards: Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, José Manuel López, and Lautaro Martínez. The 2022 team Goalkeepers: Franco Armani, Gerónimo Rulli, and Emiliano Martínez. Defenders: Juan Foyth, Nicolás Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Germán Pezzella, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Nahuel Molina, and Marcos Acuña. Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Ángel Di María, Exequiel Palacios, Thiago Almada, Alejandro Gómez, Guido Rodríguez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernández. Forwards: Julián Álvarez, Lionel Messi, Ángel Correa, Paulo Dybala, and Lautaro Martínez.
Are Harry Kane and Lionel Messi playing? England vs Argentina confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup semifinal
England and Argentina clash in a crucial 2026 World Cup semifinal, with Spain waiting to find out their opponent in the final. The second semifinal of the 2026 World Cup takes place at Atlanta Stadium, where England and Argentina meet for the tournament’s second and final spot in Sunday’s showpiece, where Spain await for their rival. Argentina reached this stage by beating Switzerland in the overtime of the quarterfinals, a result that kept the defending champions’ title defense alive and extended their unbeaten run through the knockout rounds. For this crucial match, Lionel Messi will start and once again captain Argentina, standing as the team’s key figure as the tournament’s joint-top scorer with eight goals, level with Kylian Mbappe. On England‘s side, the Three Lions advanced to the semifinals after beating Norway 2-1 in the quarterfinals, with a brace from Jude Bellingham. For this match, star man Harry Kane will start and captain the Europeans in their bid to reach the final. Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates a goal. (Getty Images) England’s confirmed lineup For this match, Thomas Tuchel’s biggest dilemma centers on the right side of defense, where Jarell Quansah won’t be available due to a suspension, with Reece James or Djed Spence in line to fill in for him. England’s confirmed starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane. Argentina’s confirmed lineup Lionel Scaloni has kept his cards close to the chest, having trialed a back-five system in training that would bring Nicolas Otamendi into the defense at the expense of Rodrigo De Paul. Scaloni has suggested he could still spring a surprise, though the more heavily backed option keeps the same shape that got past Switzerland. Argentina’s confirmed starting XI: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
