Dibu Martinez apologizes to Argentina, considers retiring from the national team
Argentina were so close to what would have been a historic back-to-back World Cup, but they fell short against a Spain side who were dominant on Sunday.
While the last few days have been full of partying, celebrating and jubilation in the streets of Spain, in Argentina there has been an empty feeling after coming so close but falling short of a historic back-to-back World Cup run. One of the heroes of the last two tournament took to X to share his sentiments after the loss in the final.
Dibu: “I’m so sorry”
Emiliano Martinez, the Argentina keeper, was instrumental in Argentina’s run to the final and was the only reason why his team even had a chance in the late stages of the final against Spain. In the end, it was Ferran Torres and the Spaniards that put the one and only goal past Dibu, and the Argentina keeper posted on socials with a heartfelt message to the fans.
“I dreamed that we won it back, I dreamed of bringing it to Argentina and making history once again. The truth is pain is difficult to explain, it remains to reflect on many things and see how it moves forward and if it’s time to take a step aside. I’m so sorry, really tried my best to help my country and my fellow countrymen,” said Martinez on his X account.
Dibu is apparently considering retiring from the Argentina national team after the loss. The Aston Villa keeper has been the number 1 for his country since 2021. In that time he has won a World Cup, two Copa Americas and a Finalissima becoming a national hero in Argentina.
Messi gone too?
If there is any one on the Argentinian team that doesn’t need to apologize to the fans it’s Dibu. He didn’t just keep his team in the match until the extra time session against Spain, he gave a historic performance that would have put him in World Cup folklore had Argentina won. His 11 saves were the most in a World Cup final ever.
While Dibu was having a historic performance in goal, Lionel Messi and the rest of those up top were having a dreadful day. They came into the final as the top scoring team in the tournament, having scored 19 goals the seven matches before the final but weren’t just held without a goal on Sunday. They were held without a shot on goal all game, and held with out a single shot in the first 90 minutes.
Dibu isn’t the only one that has his future with the national team up in the air. Many people think this was the last dance for Lionel Messi who turned 39 during the tournament. He will be 43 when the next World Cup comes around, and even though he was one of the best players in the tournament, four years is a long time to wait for another chance to lift soccer’s top prize.
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