Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez has said his international career could be coming to an end after apologizing after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.The 33-year-old, one of the key players behind Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, admitted he is considering his future with the national team after failing to defend his title.In an emotional Instagram post, Martinez apologized to Argentina fans and said it might be “time to leave” after another memorable World Cup campaign.“I dreamed that we would win again. I dreamed that I would return to Argentina and make history again,” Martinez wrote.“The truth is, the pain is difficult to describe. There are many things to think about and how to move forward, and if it’s time to stop. I’m very sorry, I really tried to help my country and my friends,” he added.The news immediately sparked speculation that one of Argentina’s current superstars could be preparing to retire from international football.
The man’s performance was not enough as Spain finally broke through
If Sunday’s final was Martinez’s farewell to the World Cup, it was one of the best performances of his career.Despite playing with a broken finger – an injury he has been carrying since May delayed surgery to represent Argentina – the Aston Villa striker produced a record-breaking performance, making 11 saves, the most by a keeper in a World Cup final.Nicknamed “Dibu”, Martinez frustrated Spain time and again as he denied Nico Williams, Rodrigo De Paul and youngster Lamine Yamal with numerous saves that kept Argentina at bay for over 100 minutes.ALSO READ: No apologies: Argentina’s Leandro Paredes breaks his silence after World Cup clash against SpainSpanish manager Luis de la Fuente was one of those left impressed by the Argentine goalkeeper.“We should have put the game much earlier. We had a lot of chances. But Dibu was not too little. It was because of Dibu’s save, and this shows that winning is very difficult,” said Luis de la Fuente after the final.However, Martinez’s resistance was broken in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres fired home the winner after Argentina had been reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernandez’s late second yellow card.
A successful tournament overshadowed by Argentina’s collapse
Martinez appeared in every minute of Argentina’s eight games in the tournament, keeping two clean sheets while scoring eight goals.His performance also proved why he won the Golden Glove during Argentina’s success in the 2022 World Cup and later claimed the Yashin Trophy for the best player in the world in 2023 and 2024.The defeat ended Argentina’s hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.With 67 caps, a World Cup winners’ medal and countless saves – including his famous stop against France in 2022 – Martinez has earned his place among Argentina’s greatest players.