Argentina's real hero, the times where Dibu Martinez saved Argentina in the penalties

The Argentina national team does not rely solely on Lionel Messi anymore, as Emiliano Martinez has become a popular figure among the fanbase. 'El Dibu' Martinez is a hero for Argentina as he made some significant saves over the past couple of years that led to them winning the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Martinez has been key in those tournaments, and he was key in this tournament as well when he made two saves in the penalty shootout against Ecuador in the quarterfinals. The goalkeeper faced 18 penalties from a penalty shootout with the Argentina national team, and he has saved eight of them. He is tied for the most saves with the Argentina national team in penalty shootouts with Sergio Goycochea, who made eight saves after facing 28 penalties with the national team. Martinez has faced a total of 24 penalties throughout his career and conceded 12 of them. He saved nine of them across penalty shootouts and penalties during the 90 minutes. Two penalties were off-target, and one hit the post.

• 

  Recommended

  Real Madrid players who won Champions League with the club and also Euros or Copa America with their national teams

Emiliano Martinez spoke ahead of the final tonight vs Colombia, and he was asked about his thoughts on the penalty kick shootouts, which could happen if, after 90 minutes, it stays as a draw. Martinez doesn't think that a penalty shootout involves skill and says, "For me, penalty kicks are 100% luck. You can study a lot, but not all penalties are the same. I have stopped some that were totally opposite to what I had studied."

Martinez was also asked how he feels about playing another final with Argentina and said, "We have the same excitement, it’s going to be our fourth final and we’re as thrilled as if it were the first. With heart and eagerness to play."

• 

  Recommended

  Lamine Yamal answered about his baby picture with Lionel Messi, what the Spain star said

Emi Martinez on the influence for Argentina fans

The people of Argentina love Emiliano Martinez, and many young kids idolize him. Martinez spoke about the reception he gets and said, "Being the superhero for kids is what fills my heart the most. I was a kid once, I've cried to get a jersey signed. If I see a kid crying, I have to stop because it's what I felt."