Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said he has refused surgery for his right arm injury to be able to join the Argentine national team in conquering the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
In a press conference before the match at MetLife Stadium, the 33-year-old goalkeeper revealed that he broke his right ring finger right before the 2026 World Cup kicked off. Although many medical experts in the US and England recommended surgery, Martinez decided to postpone it to continue accompanying the team.
My hand still hurts every day. I know this is a very painful injury. I didn't have surgery even though all experts in the US and England advised me to have surgery. I couldn't even train in the group stage. But from the round of 16, I didn't think much about it anymore and felt much better," Martinez shared.
At the 2026 World Cup, Martinez kept a clean sheet in the first two matches. However, in the knockout round, he conceded 6 goals after 4 matches. According to statistics, the goalkeeper for Aston Villa achieved a save rate of 56.3%.
Martinez also spoke out about the video that once spread on social networks, in which he said he would consider retiring if he successfully defended the World Cup title with Argentina.
It's true that I once said that to Nico at the training center of the Argentine Football Federation. But first we have to win the championship. Currently I'm only focused on the final. This team has progressed over the years and sometimes I'm moved when I think about what the whole team has achieved together," he said.
The 2022 World Cup champion said he enjoys the tournament in North America more than the World Cup in Qatar four years ago.
This time I entered the World Cup with a more relaxed mentality. After the defeat to Saudi Arabia in the previous tournament, I went through a very difficult time. Now I feel my playing ability has improved and I will enter the final with a smile," Martinez shared.
Before the match against Spain, Martinez highly appreciated the opponent's strength, and praised coach Luis de la Fuente and the players of the European team.
It's a very strong team. They not only have Lamine Yamal but also possess a quality team and a good coach. They have their strengths and we also have our own weapons. Hopefully this will be a match that fans will remember for a long time," the Argentine goalkeeper said.
In addition to helping Argentina defend the world championship title, Martinez is also one of the bright candidates for the 2026 World Cup Golden Glove title. His biggest opponent is Unai Simon on the Spanish side, who has only conceded one goal after seven matches at the tournament.
