Martinez considers Argentina retirement after World Cup final loss

Emi Martinez is weighing up his international future after Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday. The Aston Villa goalkeeper took to Instagram to express his heartbreak and openly question whether it is time to walk away from the Albiceleste.

Martinez played every minute of Argentina's eight World Cup games, keeping two clean sheets across the tournament. He has earned 67 caps for his country and was a World Cup winner in 2022, also claiming the golden glove that year as the tournament's outstanding goalkeeper.

"I dreamt we'd win it again, I dreamt of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more," he wrote. "The truth is, the pain is hard to explain. There are many things to reflect on and how to move forward, and if it's time to step aside. I'm so sorry, I truly tried my best to help my country and my team-mates."

Martinez claimed back-to-back Yashin Trophy awards in 2023 and 2024, cementing his status as the world's best goalkeeper over that period. He has been at Aston Villa since 2020 and is contracted until 2029, though reports have linked him to a move to Juventus this summer — a transfer decision that could now be shaped by whether he continues internationally at all.

For South African fans tracking the Premier League and the broader football landscape, Martinez's next move — at club and international level — will be one of the defining stories of this transfer window.

First reported by BBC Sport Football.