Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez revealed that Argentina’s squad plans to honor Lionel Messi with an asado and lavish him with affection during his final international appearance at the Estadio Monumental. Speaking after a 7-0 rout of Burkina Faso, the Chelsea goalkeeper detailed the team’s plans for Tuesday’s farewell match against Benin in Buenos Aires. Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez arrived in the country to join the Argentine National Team, which is facing a very special FIFA window with three friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin. The first match was against Bolivia on Wednesday, September 30, at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium in Córdoba, followed by a fixture against Burkina Faso on Saturday, October 3, at the Monumental.
Honoring the Captain Ahead of the Monumental Farewell
The upcoming fixture against Benin marks the final time Messi will pull on the Albiceleste shirt in his home country. Tener la posibilidad de retirarse acá en la Argentina creo que es un sueño para él. Trataremos que sea un lindo día para él,
Martínez said regarding the emotional weight of the occasion. The goalkeeper added that the dressing room’s sole mission is ensuring their captain feels cherished during his final camp. Trataremos que lo disfrute lo máximo posible. Llenarlo de mimos, de besos y que sea feliz,
Martínez stated, noting that the squad will receive Leo Messi with an asado and trataremos de mimarlo en lo poco que le queda.
Reflecting on a Historic Partnership and World Cup Scars
Martínez also looked back on the journey of sharing a dressing room with Messi. Fue uno de los mayores honores que tengo en mi carrera, tratar de ayudarlo a que consiguiera lo que tanto deseaba porque es el mejor jugador de la historia y me siento parte de eso gracias a Dios,
the goalkeeper affirmed. Despite the impending farewell, Martínez confessed that the 2026 World Cup final defeat against Spain still leaves a bitter taste. Es lindo llegar a una final de vuelta y lamentablemente no la pudimos ganar. Me va a quedar la espina por mucho tiempo,
he said.
The Race for the Iconic Number 10 Shirt
With Messi’s international career drawing to a close, the question of who inherits Argentina’s famous number 10 jersey has begun to surface. Martínez pointed directly toward Nicolás Paz as the leading candidate to take over the mantle. Hay muchos chicos, la verdad, que la pueden usar. Obviamente, hasta la próxima fecha FIFA no creo que se use, la va a usar Leo, pero Nico va picando en punta,
the goalkeeper explained. Paz, a midfielder developed at Real Madrid who currently plays in Italy, has steadily gained traction under manager Lionel Scaloni as the national team begins its generational transition. Martínez noted that those present are not entirely new kids, but rather players who have already been around, emphasizing that La Selección siempre va a ser la Selección, por más que la gente que se vaya o no se vaya.
A Motorsport Detour and a Challenge for Scaloni
Away from the training pitch, Martínez made headlines by taking a brief break from football to support his brother Alejandro at the Turismo Carretera and TC Pista event in San Nicolás. During his visit, the goalkeeper jokingly challenged Scaloni to a race after learning the national team coach had expressed interest in driving a historic Turismo Carretera car. Le corro a Scaloni, quiero el Camaro,
Martínez said, referring to the vehicle driven by his brother. Meanwhile, the status of Scaloni’s own future remains officially unconfirmed by the coaching staff, with Martínez noting that any decision regarding the manager’s continuation rests entirely with Scaloni and his immediate staff, stating, No tengo ni idea. Eso es algo con él y con su equipo de trabajo. Lo que decida, siempre lo vamos a apoyar.
While the goalkeeper enjoyed a day away from football to accompany Alejandro, the Argentine national team will focus on the match next Tuesday at 20:00 against Benin, in Núñez.
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