Argentina Faces Challenge Playing Without Guardian Dibu Martínez
Argentina’s national team is gearing up for an upcoming friendly match against Angola, but they will face a significant challenge without their star goalkeeper, Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez. The absence of Martínez, who plays for Aston Villa, was confirmed by coach Lionel Scaloni last week. While Martín’s teammates, including captain Lionel Messi and forwards Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, are set to play in Luanda, Martínez’s role as a chief guardian of the net remains unfilled.
Emiliano Martínez’s Impact on the Team
Martínez has been a key player for Argentina, frequently appearing in matches since his debut in June 2021. He took over the goalkeeper position from Franco Armani during a World Cup qualifying match against Chile. Since then, he has established himself as the first-choice keeper, contributing to Argentina’s victory in the 2021 Copa América.
- Age: 33
- International Matches Played: 57
- Clean Sheets: 40
His last absence from the national team dates back to October 2024, following a two-match suspension after an incident during a game against Colombia.
Opportunity for Backup Goalkeepers
The upcoming match presents an invaluable chance for the regular backups, Gerónimo Rulli from Olympique de Marseille and Walter Benítez from Crystal Palace, to showcase their skills. Both goalkeepers are prime candidates to support the team as they aim for success in the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Gerónimo Rulli: 33 years old, has played six international matches (three qualifiers, three friendlies).
- Walter Benítez: 32 years old, with one appearance (a friendly win against Costa Rica in March 2024).
Strategic Importance of the Friendly Match
Scaloni is keen on utilizing this friendly as an opportunity to test potential replacements for Martínez in the future. He stated, “The idea is to give a chance to some younger players. The team can afford to make some adjustments.” This approach highlights Scaloni’s commitment to preparing the team while ensuring the stability of key players, including Martínez. Despite the speculation of a transfer to Manchester United, Martínez remains with Aston Villa and is expected to return to action soon.
With the friendly against Angola being the last game of the year for Argentina, it serves as a critical moment to evaluate backup options and maintain team cohesion ahead of the World Cup.
