Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has promised to retire from international football if Argentina win the 2026 World Cup.
Martinez has been a key part of Argentina’s success in each of the last three major tournaments, including consecutive Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2022.
The 32-year-old made an infamous save to deny France’s Randal Kolo Muani in the 2022 World Cup final, ensuring the contest went to penalties, where he made a crucial stop to help his country claim the ultimate prize.
As a result of his performances in Qatar, Martinez was rewarded with the Golden Glove award in recognition of being the best goalkeeper at the tournament.
Martinez will get the chance to win that award again in 2026 after Argentina recently secured their place in next summer’s tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
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Martinez makes Argentina retirement pledge
Lionel Scaloni‘s side celebrated their qualification by cruising to a dominant 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil in Tuesday’s meeting in Buenos Aires.
Martinez made his 51st international appearance in the commanding victory just days after he reached his half century in the 1-0 win over Uruguay.
While he remains Argentina’s undisputed number one, Martinez has suggested his international career could be drawing to a close.
The Aston Villa shot-stopper has made a vow to call time on his Argentina career if he helps his country defend the World Cup in 2026.
“If we win two (World Cups) in a row, that’s it, I’m retiring from the national team,” Martinez said in an interview with BPlay. “We have to make room for other young players.”
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Another World Cup win won’t live up to the first
Martinez may be looking to get his hands on another World Cup, but he has admitted that winning the tournament again will not live up to the joy of ending Argentina’s 36-year wait for football’s biggest prize.
“Something like this is not going to happen again,” Martinez added. “We all saw Argentina winning the World Cup. I had not seen it since I was born.”
“A seven-year-old kid already knows what he experienced. You are going to be happy and celebrate, but not like the previous one.”
The 32-year-old will be back in club action this weekend when Aston Villa take on Championship side Preston North End in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final.
