Argentina captain Lionel Messi names the best goalkeeper in world football currently
Lionel Messi has named his Argentina teammate Emi Martinez as the best goalkeeper in world football at the moment.
Martinez, formerly of Arsenal, currently plays for Premier League side Aston Villa and has played a starring role in Argentina's recent international success. He was in the thick if things in both the Copa America 2021 and the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Martinez put on spectacular performances in the penalty shootouts against the Netherlands in the quarter-final and France in the final of the World Cup. Messi has now given the goalkeeper his stamp of approval. The Argentina captain told Martin Arevalo (via AlbicelesteTalk on X):
"Dibu Martinez is the best goalkeeper in the world."
Lionel Messi and Co. are now focused on defending their crown at Copa America 2024. The tournament in the USA will kick off June 20 with Argentina facing Canada in the inaugural game.
Emi Martinez will once again be a key player for Lionel Scaloni's team. Martinez is an experienced campaigner on the international stage. He has so far made 38 appearances for La Albiceleste, keeping an impressive 28 clean sheets.
Emi Martinez's advice to Lionel Messi in 2022 FIFA World Cup final
Argentina defeated France on penalties in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. Lionel Messi scored the opening penalty for La Albiceleste by sending Hugo Lloris the wrong way. It was an exceptionally cool penalty from the Argentina captain under tremendous pressure.
Emi Martinez has revealed that he asked Messi to stop before taking his shot. The Aston Villa goalkeeper anticipated that Lloris would move. Messi took the penalty in that way and found success.
Recalling the conversation he had with Messi, Martinez said on Fozcast (via GiveMeSport):
"Leo, just stop and go. He'll move."
Emi Martinez is quite the personality, and his boldness often helps his team during penalty shootouts. Apart from giving confidence to his teammates, Martinez manages to unsettle his opponents, which often leads to erroneous decisions even from world-class players.