Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez came clutch again for his national side as his last-minute save helped Argentina win the FIFA World Cup 2022.
123rd minute.
This save by Emiliano Martinez will go down in history as the greatest save ever.
15 minutes later, Argentina was crowned World Cup Champions.pic.twitter.com/1ZbDWBbSMX
— Arjun Sethi (@arjunsethi81) December 19, 2022
Randal Kolo Muani could see the headlines. His World Cup-winning goal was right in front of him at the 123rd-minute mark. One-on-one with Martinez, only the keeper left to beat. The France squad was on their feet. They almost rushed in on the field to celebrate. However, an outstretched leg from Martinez defied all odds to keep Argentina in the game.
Emiliano Martinez in 2020:
“I would give my life to see Lionel Messi win the World Cup.” pic.twitter.com/VBerYFg4Q2
— Barstool Football (@StoolFootball) December 18, 2022
It was a save for the ages. A save that will be talked about for years to come. But, it is a save Martinez had already said he would do for Lionel Messi and Argentina. He had said he would give his life to give Messi the World Cup. That save was his life.
There was, however, more life left in Martinez. The final went into penalties after Kylian Mbappe completed his hat-trick and France made a comeback twice in the game. The Aston Villa goalkeeper went on to save Kingsley Coman’s spot-kick which eventually turned out to be instrumental in their win.
Argentina defeated France 3(4)-3(2) in the final of the World Cup. Messi lifted the trophy he desired most and it was promised by Martinez after their Copa America triumph.
Emiliano Martinez: “I want to give him life, I want to die for him.”
“I want to give Lionel Messi a World Cup. I wish I could’ve played with Leo on the club level as well, it would’ve made me a better goalkeeper and helped him win more trophies.”
Martinez was instrumental in the Copa America triumph as well.
Emiliano Martinez won the Golden Glove award at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Martinez was the obvious choice for the best goalkeeper award at the FIFA World Cup 2022. He won the Golden Glove without any competition.
It has been a whirlwind few years for the 30-year-old who was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Until two years ago, he was Arsenal’s backup goalkeeper. He is now a Copa America and World Cup Golden Glove winner. After collecting the trophy, he even had time to make a rude gesture with it, which might not go down well with everyone.
Martinez’s captain and one true hero, Messi, won the Golden Ball. Kylian Mbappe was presented with the Golden Boot. Enzo Fernandez won the young player of the tournament award.