Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has two people to thank for playing in the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup — Former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, and former Brighton and Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay. Because it was a collision between the two players during a heated Premier League match between his then-club Arsenal and Brighton that gave the long-time Gunner his breakthrough moment.
Brought on as a replacement for Leno, it was the Argentine's first game for Arsenal in three seasons, and the expectations were low — or so the fans thought.
Martinez instantly made an impact. He started the remaining nine matches for his club and kept three clean sheets but after Leno's return from injury for the next season, Martinez was once again on the bench for Arsenal. By this time, he had tasted first-team football and was craving more. His time with the Gunners was eventful and he left the club on good terms, joining Premier League rivals Aston Villa. Martinez has not looked back since.
The 30-year-old shot-stopper finished the 2020-21 season — his first with Villa — on a high note. His 15 clean sheets were the third-best in the competition, four more than Arsenal's Leno himself. He went on to make his international debut in June 2021, and within a month, Martinez had won his first international trophy — the 2021 Copa America. The Villa goalkeeper was also awarded the 2021 Copa America's Golden Glove award as the best keeper of the tournament for his performances.
And now, a year and a half later, he is going to play in the World Cup final. This has to be the story of the tournament, especially if he replicates his heroics this time around as well.
“During the 2014 World Cup final I was cooking a barbecue for my family. During the Russia 2018, I was in the stands with my brother and I told him that in the next one, I would be there,” Martinez said while speaking at the pre-match press conference.
Having also played a key role in Argentina winning the Copa America last year, Martinez thinks Messi will again be the difference maker. "I see him very happy as does every Argentinian, he feels very well on the pitch," the Albiceleste goalkeeper said.
"I saw a great Messi in the Copa America, he was exceptional and one of the best undoubtedly in the Copa America, and in this World Cup, he took [another] step forward. He's playing better, both physically and in football terms. It was quite difficult to get that Messi from the Copa, but he did it. He's playing very well and it gives so much energy to the squad because we have the greatest player. He's excited, he's full of joy and it helps us very much," said Martinez.
Winning the World Cup will cap a brilliant rise to glory for the 30-year-old. Coming to England in 2010 as a young 18-year-old from the warmth of South America, and not giving up hope despite more than a decade of loan moves and sitting on the bench, Martinez is the epitome of the famous phrase 'patience is a virtue'.
In simpler terms, life has come full circle for the lesser-known pride of the Albiceleste.
