Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has admitted that he is sometimes moved to tears when reflecting on the extraordinary journey he and his teammates have shared, as the reigning world champions prepare for another date with history in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final against Spain.
The Aston Villa shot-stopper said Argentina’s recent era of success is the result of years of sacrifice, unity and relentless hard work, with the Albiceleste now just one victory away from defending the World Cup title for the first time since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962.
“I only focus on winning. This team has improved so much, and everything we have achieved is the result of the work we’ve built together over many years,” Martinez told reporters in New York ahead of the final at MetLife Stadium.
Argentina’s golden generation has enjoyed an unforgettable run over the past five years, lifting the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and 2024 Copa América, transforming the national team into one of the most successful sides in modern international football.
Despite the trophies, Martinez revealed the emotional weight behind those achievements.
“Honestly, there are times when I cry by myself when I think about everything we’ve accomplished. I just want to enjoy this moment because, as footballers, sometimes we don’t realise how far we’ve come in our careers.”
He urged his teammates to embrace every second of the occasion.
“My message to the squad is to enjoy this moment and prepare with smiles on our faces. These are memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”
Martinez will forever be remembered for his iconic performance in the 2022 World Cup Final, particularly his sensational last-gasp save to deny Randal Kolo Muani, a stop that kept Argentina alive before they eventually defeated France in the penalty shootout.
Recalling that unforgettable night in Doha, Martinez admitted the margins between glory and heartbreak were incredibly fine.
“We were much better than France for 80 minutes before they were awarded a penalty. Yet we still conceded three goals, and usually if you concede three in a World Cup final, your chances of winning are very small.”
“I had to make that crucial save at the end. Sometimes the ball hits your body and still goes into the net.”
Drawing comparisons with this tournament, Martinez reflected on how fortune can quickly change.
“Against Jordan in the group stage, the ball hit me and still went in. Recently another shot slipped through my legs. Thankfully, none of that happened in the 2022 final.”
The 33-year-old believes he has become an even better goalkeeper four years after lifting the World Cup, despite entering the tournament while still recovering from a fractured finger suffered during Aston Villa’s UEFA Europa League final in May.
“I feel my footwork has improved, and so has my decision-making. I’m incredibly grateful to be playing in my fifth final with this team.”
Victory over Spain would see Argentina become the first nation in 64 years to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup, a feat last accomplished by Brazil in 1962.
For Martinez, however, the legacy extends beyond silverware.
“Many of the players in this team come from working-class families. Our parents worked incredibly hard to provide for us.”
“I think the people of Argentina will remember us as a team that never stopped fighting and never gave up. No matter how difficult things became, we always found a way to rise again, just as we’ve done throughout this World Cup.”
As Argentina stand on the brink of football history once again, Martinez hopes the team’s resilience, humility and unwavering fighting spirit will define their legacy just as much as the trophies they have won.
Credit Photo : AFA
