Argentina has been very consistent at the World Cup this time. Following a heartbreaking end to their world cup campaign in 2018, the Argentina national team needed some fundamental changes. One such change was the goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez. Martinez’s career story has turned into a redemption of sorts.

An aging Lionel Messi but rising Emiliano Martinez

Martinez has been no less than a superhero between the sticks for Argentina. In the semifinal game against Croatia, at the halftime team talk, Martinez was heard saying, “The goal is locked boys, they have to kill me to score a goal”. Seems like he really meant those words. Croatia did not manage to score a goal and Argentina ended up winning that game 3-0.

Martinez put in a heroic performance in the World Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands. The final score was 2-2 after playing extra time. Martinez pulled off two match-defining penalty saves to send the Netherlands back home.

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Since 2018, the recruitments made by the Argentine Football Association really made a difference here. After parting ways with head coach Jorge Sampaoli, the Argentina board needed to find a head coach capable enough to rejuvenate a disjointed Argentina squad. The board decided to appoint former Argentina player Lionel Scaloni. Since that day, Argentina has never looked back.

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This World Cup is destined to be Lionel Messi’s final one. Out of all the years, the Argentines will be the most motivated to win the World Cup this year for the veteran! Even with an aging Lionel Messi, the Argentina squad is filled with endless flair and sparkling talent. Currently, the Argentines will compete in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2022. With a squad that is currently very high on confidence, especially Martinez, what more does a team need?

Where was Martinez before 2021?

Martinez has been in the game for over a decade now. The Argentine made his debut at Independiente in 2008. Impressed by his form, English premier league Arsenal decided to pick the young Argentine up. But the young goalie never really threatened to break into Arsenal’s starting XI. Arsenal continued to send Martinez on season-long loans to smaller English clubs playing in the lower leagues.

The Argentine got his first run of games with Arsenal in the 2019/20 season when first coach goalkeeper Bernd Leno was seriously injured. And since that day, Martinez has never looked back. A good half-season with Arsenal earned Martinez a move to Aston Villa. Martinez has now become a superhero in the goal at Villa.

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Martinez was first called up for his country in 2011. However, Martinez never wore his national colors again right until 2021. In 2021, on the back of his good performances in goal, Martinez was called up nearly a decade later. He’s been an ever-shining figure ever since. There has been no doubt that Argentina will ever need to look for a backup goalkeeper in the near future.