Emiliano Martinez says he will retire from international football in 2026 if Argentina wins back-to-back World Cups.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper helped Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar 2022, and his penalty saves were crucial in that victory. He has also played key roles in winning two Copa America titles.
Martinez waited for his chance, as he was a backup at Arsenal for years and only debuted for Argentina in 2021. He has accomplished a lot in a short time. He stated he would retire from the national team if they win again, similar to past winners Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).
Martinez mentioned in a talk with his teammates, “Is there any national team that has won two World Cups in a row? If I become a two-time world champion with the Argentine national team, I will retire. I promise you. I’m telling you today. I will retire after that World Cup.”
When Lautaro joked that he is “already old,” Martinez replied, “I’ve only just turned 32, my friend, I’ll be 33 at the World Cup, a young lad.”
He also reflected on nearly retiring after the emotional win against France in 2022. He shared, “I get to the dressing room, and I see Cuti Romero and Marito crying. Then I said: ‘No, that’s it, I’m retiring from the national team. That’s it, I’ve achieved everything’. It was my dream. Then I passed Paulo Dybala crying and when I hugged him, I started crying like a child thinking about what I suffered in England.”
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