2024-02-15 13:22:52
Emiliano Martínez, world champion and best goalkeeper in Qatar 2022, assured that after his achievement in the last World Cup, the Copa América and the Finalíssima, the only great goal that he would need to achieve with the Argentine national team would be “to win the Olympic Games” , which immediately generated great excitement about his eventual presence at the Paris Games.
Argentina qualified for the Paris 2024 Games after its 1-0 victory against Brazil on the last date of the Pre-Olympic Games in Venezuela, so its name immediately emerged as a chance to be on the squad. “I watched the final (of the Pre-Olympic), I liked the team. If there is something I am missing in the National Team, it is winning the Olympic Games,” commented ‘Dibu’ Martínez in dialogue with DSports.
The English Aston Villa goalkeeper, 31, could be one of the three over 23 to accompany the team to the Olympic event as permitted.
The first name that appeared immediately after the team led by Javier Mascherano qualified was that of Lionel Messi, who was already an Olympic champion in Beijing 2008. Ángel Di María also appeared, but “Fideo” dropped out by stating that the Copa América This year will be his farewell to the National Team.
Now, another leader of the “Scaloneta” ran for Paris 2024, although he clarified that we must give room to the footballers who achieved qualification. “Young people always need a chance and if we do well in the Copa América and win it, we have to make room for the kids. If they are in a good moment, there is no reason to change,” declared Martínez. In principle, because it is not a FIFA competition, clubs are not obliged to release players, so Martínez would have to obtain special permission from Aston Villa to be called up.
The goalkeeper from Mar del Plata gave his opinion on Leandro Brey, who had a couple of key saves in the duel against Brazil, and would be the player he would replace if he was summoned. “It is very difficult to follow the young people because of the schedules. But today the level is very good, the bar is getting higher and higher. We have no problems with the goalkeepers,” he remarked.
On the other hand, Dibu Martínez made it clear that his priority at this moment is the next important tournament for the National Team, the Copa América 2024, which will be played in the United States between June 20 and July 14 of this year. “The Copa América is my goal. It is a different edition, it is played in the United States and it is going to be a mini World Cup. But after that, whatever has to happen happens,” he said.
Furthermore, the Aston Villa goalkeeper concluded that he wants to continue winning things with Argentina. “It’s very easy to say ‘I’ve already won everything.’ me against me, every year. I want to surpass myself,” explained the goalkeeper.