Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has once again drawn attention in Argentina after speaking about the upcoming Finalissima against Spain. As reported by Olé, the Villa No. 1 framed the match as a key reference ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
He spoke during an event organised by the Argentine FA in London. Martínez made it clear that the fixture carries symbolic weight beyond a single trophy.
Reflecting on the game, he said: “It could be a World Cup final.” At the same time, he reduced the pressure around the occasion. He added: “It’s also a training match and a great title that we want to win.”
Lessons from Wembley and Qatar
Martínez compared the situation to Argentina’s previous Finalissima against Italy. He also linked it to the 2022 World Cup.
The Aston Villa player explained: “In the last Finalissima we played Italy at Wembley and we knew that match could easily be a final or a semi-final.” He continued: “That’s where we realised we were ready for the World Cup.”
Looking ahead, he added: “Spain in March, in Qatar, another final at Lusail. Whatever happens, we will feel prepared for the World Cup.”
Defensive focus for 2026
During the same conversation, held at the Emirates Stadium in London, Martínez addressed Argentina’s objectives for 2026. He stressed the importance of defensive consistency.
He stated: “In this World Cup we have to concede fewer goals. It’s a group thing.”
Martínez then summed up his view: “Forwards win matches, but defence wins titles.”
He also highlighted the mentality within the squad: “I have defenders who are obsessed with improving.”
Living in the present
Despite the long-term focus, Martínez explained that his mindset remains centred on the present. That applies to both Aston Villa and Argentina.
He said: “I remember that when we went to play in Qatar, one week before we were still playing other matches.”
Martínez added: “I can’t be thinking now that I have a World Cup in six months. There is still a lot of time.”
A Messi moment before the 2022 final
The Villa goalkeeper also shared a detailed anecdote involving Lionel Messi before the 2022 World Cup final against France.
He recalled: “We were in a room with a lot of people and Leo told us, ‘this cannot slip away from us’.” Martínez then explained how he reacted: “When Leo was speaking very seriously, I started making jokes. Everyone was sitting there very tense and I said, ‘Come on Leo, don’t be scared. Let’s play it like all the finals’.”
