Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has revealed he will retire from international football if the reigning world champions successfully defend their FIFA World Cup crown in 2026.
The Aston Villa shot-stopper, one of the key figures behind Argentina’s triumph in Qatar and their subsequent Copa América success, said there would be little left to achieve if Lionel Scaloni’s side lifted football’s biggest prize for a second consecutive time.
“If we win two World Cups in a row, that’s it, I’m retiring from the national team,” Martínez said, adding that younger players would then deserve their opportunity.
His remarks come as Argentina prepare to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022. No men’s national team has retained the World Cup since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962, meaning Martínez and his teammates are chasing a piece of football history.
Martínez, now one of the most decorated goalkeepers in Argentina’s history, played a decisive role in the country’s World Cup triumph, producing the famous late save against France’s Randal Kolo Muani before helping Argentina prevail in the penalty shootout.
He also won the Golden Glove award as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
The 33-year-old has already won the World Cup, two Copa América titles and the Finalissima with Argentina.
With Lionel Messi leading the squad into what could be his final World Cup, Martínez’s retirement pledge adds another layer of intrigue to Argentina’s bid to become the first team in more than six decades to retain the trophy.
