Martinez urges Argentina to give Messi a fitting farewell against Benin
Emiliano Martinez has urged Argentina to make Lionel Messi’s final international appearance one to remember after the world champions swept Burkina Faso aside 7-0 at Estadio Monumental on Saturday.
Martinez prepares for Messi farewell
Argentina now turn to Tuesday’s Monumental meeting with Benin, which is set to be Messi’s last match for the Albiceleste. Martinez said the squad want to enjoy the remaining time with their captain and ensure he leaves with a smile.
- Martinez said helping Messi win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was among the proudest moments of his career.
- The goalkeeper said he and Messi have regularly spoken about the journey that ended with the captain lifting the trophy he wanted most.
- He described Messi as football’s greatest-ever player and said Argentina will have a huge gap to fill when he goes.
- Martinez nevertheless backed the next generation, insisting there are players in the group with the character needed to take responsibility.
“I wanted to help him in every way I could, and he knows that,” Martinez said. “Helping him get what he wanted more than anything was one of the biggest honours of my career.”
On the farewell, he added: “I feel involved in it. On Tuesday, I want to enjoy it, see him happy and cherish the little time we still have together.”
Another shutout for Argentina goalkeeper
Martinez’s clean sheet against Burkina Faso was his 45th in 69 appearances for Argentina. He stressed that keeping opponents out remains a personal target, even in a one-sided win.
The 7-0 result also gave young players their chance to make a first appearance for the national team. Martinez welcomed their impact and said Lionel Scaloni only hands out opportunities to players who earn them in training.
- Martinez said new call-ups have been absorbed quickly by the established group.
- He praised the debutants’ work on the training pitch and their rapid adaptation to international football.
- He said Scaloni does not give places away and rewards those who perform well.
- The goalkeeper credited the youngsters for being ready when selected.
World Cup final pain behind him
Martinez also revealed how deeply Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain affected him. The keeper said the loss stayed with him for a long time after Argentina failed to retain their title.
He said a reset at club level was needed to move beyond the disappointment, but added that returning to the Argentina camp has restored his energy and happiness.
“Losing a World Cup final took a great deal out of me,” Martinez said. “The hurt lasted for a long time, and I needed a new start with my club. But when I come here, I feel good, happy and full of energy.”
What happens next
Argentina host Benin at Estadio Monumental on Tuesday, with the focus set to fall firmly on Messi’s international goodbye.
