Emiliano Martinez was one of the key figures in the Argentine squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The goalkeeper not only commanded his penalty box throughout the tournament but was the strongest voice in the dressing room to pump up his fellow squad members. A new behind-the-scenes footage revealed the vocal prowess of the Aston Villa goalkeeper.
TYC Sports released the tunnel footage of the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Ahead of the clash against the Netherlands, Martinez can be seen shouting a bold message to Lionel Messi and other teammates before the players went out on the soccer field.
The Argentine account @AlbicelesteTalk translates that message on X: “Let’s break their asses. We have an incredible opportunity given with everything. Today is the game. Look at outside boys, look at outside, they are going to be scared as sh*t for the whole game, for the whole game.”
“Let’s break their asses. We have an incredible opportunity given with everything. Today is the game. Look at outside boys, look at outside, they are going to be scared as sh*t for the whole game, for the whole game.”
— Emiliano Martínez. pic.twitter.com/B5ddpNafEW
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) December 9, 2023
The clash between the historic rivals went on to deliver another classic. Argentina led the game with two goals till the 82nd minute with goals from Nahuel Molina and Lionel Messi. However, the Netherlands came back with a brace from Wout Weghorst, with the equalizer coming in the 11th minute of the added time after 90 minutes.
The game went on to penalties where Martinez with two saves in the shootout gave Argentina another famous win over the Netherlands with a 4-3 scoreline. This match was one where the tempers reached the sky as Lionel Messi celebrated in front of the dugout for his goal and some other intense clashes between the squads during the 120 minutes which led to 15 bookings in the game.
Lionel Messi’s emotional remarks to Emiliano Martinez after beating the Netherlands
Martinez’s heroics against the Netherlands were first acknowledged by the captain Lionel Messi. While other members of the squad ran towards Lautaro Martinez, the winning penalty taker, Messi ran towards Martinez and exchanged some emotional words.
Martinez revealed emotional remarks made by Messi when he talked to BBC about the clash: “I was dead on the floor. Someone hugged me and said, ‘I can’t believe you’ve done it again – you’ve saved us again’. When I look up, it was Leo. That picture I will always have in my heart.”
This keepers gloves, boots and jersey should be in Argentina Museum along with that of Messi. Emiliano Martinez is a World Hero..💝❤️🔥 My dream is to see it one day. pic.twitter.com/7mCMs59jys
— LOGOHUB (@LogoHubGH) December 6, 2023
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was the hero for Argentina twice in the tournament. Once against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals and once again in the final against France. The 30-year-old won the Golden Glove award for his performances for Argentina in the tournament.
