Emiliano Martínez has announced that he will retire from the Argentina national team if they win a second consecutive World Cup title. In a recent interview following Argentina’s dominant victory over Brazil, the World Cup-winning goalkeeper shared his thoughts on his future and the emotions tied to winning titles. He emphasized that winning the first World Cup was an unparalleled experience and that no other triumph could replicate that feeling.

Argentina’s convincing 4-1 win over Brazil in the Superclásico has fueled the team’s belief that they can defend their World Cup title in 2026. Despite missing key players like Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez, the squad showcased their strength and dominance, proving they have the depth to remain at the top. This performance has only reinforced their confidence in securing another World Cup.

In an interview with Biple, Martínez stated, “That would be enough for me. Winning two consecutive World Cups is not an ordinary feat. If we achieve it, I will step away from the national team to make way for the younger generation.”

Reflecting on Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, Martínez expressed that the emotions of that victory were unmatched. “Nothing will ever compare to the feeling of winning in 2022. I had never seen Argentina win a World Cup in my lifetime. Now, even a seven-year-old child knows what that joy feels like. You’ll be happy, you’ll celebrate, but it will never feel quite the same as the first time,” he added.

Martínez also shared a surprising detail about his mindset before the 2022 World Cup final against France. “Before the final, I was just playing ‘Call of Duty’ with my friends, snacking, and waiting for the technical briefing to start. But after winning, I went through a tough period. Stopping Kolo Muani’s shot in the dying moments haunted me for months—I could hardly sleep for three months and had to see a psychologist,” he revealed.

At 32 years old, Martínez has already played 51 matches for Argentina, winning two Copa América titles and one World Cup. If Argentina manages to defend their title in 2026, the goalkeeper has made it clear that he will step aside, leaving behind a legendary legacy in Argentine football.