Emiliano Martinez, who helped Lionel Messi win the World Cup, breaks silence on his retirement

Argentine World Cup winning keeper Emiliano Martinez stated that he would retire after winning the 2026 edition, making it two in a row.

Emiliano Martinez, who helped Lionel Messi win the World Cup, breaks silence on his retirement

Argentinian World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez and Lionel Messi. (via GOAL)

Argentinian goalkeeping star and 2022 FIFA World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez recently revealed that he would retire if the Albiceleste won the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The Aston Villa keeper was pivotal with his penalty heroics during Argentina’s 2022 triumph.

Emiliano Martinez had assisted Lionel Messi in winning his first ever World Cup after years of hardship and failures. The 32-year-old keeper showed up when it mattered the most, saving Kingsley Coman’s shot during the penalty shootout against France in the final.

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He also played a leading role in Argentina’s two Copa America triumphs, in 2021 and 2024. Emi, however, did have to struggle to make his place in the national team. He had to wait for his big break until the age of 29, when he made his international debut.

In a recent discussion with fellow Argentinian World Cup winners, he recollected memories of their historic triumph. Emi questioned his teammates whether there is any national team to have won two World Cups in a row. He surprisingly stated that he would retire, if his side wins the 2026 edition.

While being comically taunted by national teammate Lautaro Martinez over his rising age, the former Arsenal keeper replied that he would be 33 during the next World Cup, which he added is a fairly young age.

 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.

Emiliano Martinez on his future (H/T GOAL)

Emiliano Martinez also went on to admit that he had almost announced his international retirement in the dressing room, following the World Cup final victory. Nonetheless, it has been a great year for the Aston Villa shot stopper, as he won the Yashin Trophy and the FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper award.

Emiliano Martinez leads FIFA’s 2024 The Best XI alongside Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and others

Premier League stars dominate the 2024 FIFA The Best XI of the season, with a whopping five players included. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who also won the FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper award for the second time, found his name in the XI as well.

Emiliano Martinez leads FIFA Best XI
Argentinian star Emiliano Martinez leads the 2024 FIFA Best XI. (via X)

The 32-year-old had a brilliant season with both club and country, as he led Aston Villa to a dramatic fourth-place finish, and Argentina to the 2024 Copa America. He is joined by Manchester City stars Rodri, Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland and Arsenal’s William Saliba. The other players in the XI are Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos, Vinicius Jr. and Lamine Yamal.

Some notable absentees from the FIFA Best XI this year include Frenchman Kylian Mbappe, Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. Interestingly, no player from the Bundesliga, Serie A and the Ligue 1 made it to the XI.