Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez has hinted that he may now retire from the international set-up following the defeat to Spain in World Cup final, saying he must consider whether it is now “time to step aside.” The 33-year-old was a key figure in Argentina’s World Cup win in Qatar back in 2022, starring in a penalty shootout win over France.
He managed to keep Spain at bay until extra-time, where Ferran Torres scored the winner to dash Argentina’s hopes of retaining their World Cup crown. Martinez is the latest Argentinian star to address supporters on social media after the disappointing defeat.
Martinez, who has earned 67 caps for his nation, has hinted that Sunday’s encounter in New Jersey may prove to be his final international outing.
“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.
“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.”
Argentina were poor in the final and their challenge to overcome Spain was made more difficult when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a red card in the closing moments of normal time.
They eventually fell to Spanish pressure during extra-time, having been on the back foot throughout the match and failing to muster a single shot until the 116th minute – with no shots on target in the entire match.
The conclusion of the match was overshadowed by unsavoury scenes as Argentine frustrations erupted, with Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes both striking out at opposition players.
Their conduct was criticised by Wayne Rooney, who suggested that their behaviour in earlier matches meant their poor response came as little shock. The BBC pundit said: “Does it surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this with Argentina before.
“It’s just not the reaction you want. We’ve seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round. That’s just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It’s really poor from them.”