Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez hints at Argentina retirement after World Cup final defeat

Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez has opened the door to retiring from Argentina's national team following the World Cup final defeat to Spain, saying he will reflect on whether it is time to "step aside."

Following Sunday's loss, the national team goalkeeper took to Instagram on Tuesday to question his future with the Albiceleste.

"I dreamed we would win it again. I dreamed of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more," the Aston Villa goalkeeper wrote on his personal account.

"The truth is the pain is difficult to explain. There are many things to reflect on and I have to see how to move forward, and whether it is time to step aside," he added.

"I am so sorry. I truly gave everything I had to help my country and my team-mates," concluded the 33-year-old, who was part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning side.

Martínez produced 11 saves in the final and was Argentina's outstanding performer, but he was unable to prevent Ferran Torres from scoring the winner in the second half of extra time.

The Mar del Plata-born goalkeeper has won 67 caps and has been one of the key figures behind Argentina's recent success, helping the national team lift two Copa América titles, in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 World Cup.

In the final of that tournament, played in Lusail on December 18, 2022, Martínez proved decisive, denying France's Randal Kolo Muani deep into extra time with a crucial stage before saving Kingsley Coman's penalty in the shootout.

Messi returns home after World Cup heartbreak

Argentina captain Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario on Tuesday following the Albiceleste's painful World Cup final defeat.

Messi arrived at Rosario airport aboard a private jet at around 6.30am local time (0930 GMT), accompanied by his wife and three children.

Video published by sports broadcaster ESPN showed a grey SUV carrying Messi entering a gated community in the nearby city of Funes.

The property he owns there is where he usually stays during visits to his native Rosario, in central Argentina.

Most of Argentina's squad and head coach Lionel Scaloni arrived in Buenos Aires on Monday night, where thousands of fans greeted them with cheers, chants, flags and tears.

Argentina lost Sunday's World Cup final to Spain 1-0 after extra time, with football icon Messi breaking down in tears after the final whistle.

The 39-year-old finished the tournament with eight goals.

– TIMES/AFP