'I'm so sorry': Emiliano Martinez apologises, hints at Argentina retirement

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez has hinted that his international career could be nearing its end after issuing an emotional apology following Argentina's heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.The 33-year-old, one of the architects of Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph, admitted he is reflecting on his future with the national team after falling agonisingly short of defending the title.In an emotional Instagram post, Martinez apologised to Argentine fans and suggested it may be "time to step aside" after another unforgettable World Cup campaign."I dreamt we'd win it again. I dreamt of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more," Martinez wrote."The truth is, the pain is hard to explain. There are many things to reflect on and how to move forward, and if it's time to step aside. I'm so sorry, I truly tried my best to help my country and my team-mates," he added.The message immediately sparked speculation that one of Argentina's modern greats could be preparing to retire from international football.Heroic display not enough as Spain finally break throughIf Sunday's final proved to be Martinez's farewell on the World Cup stage, it was one of the finest performances of his career.Despite playing with a broken finger — an injury he has been carrying since May after delaying surgery to represent Argentina — the Aston Villa goalkeeper produced a record-breaking display, making 11 saves, the most by a goalkeeper in a World Cup final.Nicknamed "Dibu", Martinez repeatedly frustrated Spain as he denied Nico Williams, Rodrigo De Paul and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal with a string of spectacular saves that kept Argentina alive for more than 100 minutes.ALSO READ: No apology: Argentina's Leandro Paredes breaks silence after World Cup final chaos against SpainSpain manager Luis de la Fuente was among those left in awe of the Argentine goalkeeper."We should have put the game to bed much earlier. We had many chances. But Dibu was nothing short of exceptional. It was thanks to Dibu's saves, and this goes to show that winning is very difficult, " Luis de la Fuente said after the final.However, Martinez's resistance was finally broken in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres fired home the winner after Argentina had been reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernandez's second yellow card late in normal time.Brilliant tournament overshadowed by Argentina's collapseMartinez featured in every minute of Argentina's eight matches during the tournament, keeping two clean sheets while conceding eight goals.His performances once again underlined why he won the Golden Glove during Argentina's successful 2022 World Cup campaign and later claimed the Yashin Trophy as the world's best goalkeeper in both 2023 and 2024.The defeat ended Argentina's hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.With 67 international appearances, a World Cup winners' medal and countless iconic saves — including his legendary stop against France in the 2022 final — Martinez has firmly secured his place among Argentina's greatest goalkeepers.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.