“Trataremos que lo disfrute lo máximo posible. Llenarlo de mimos, de besos y que sea feliz,” stated goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez regarding the upcoming international farewell of Lionel Messi with the Argentina national team.
Following a 7-0 rout of Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez outlined plans for Lionel Messi’s final match in the albiceleste shirt and identified young midfielder Nicolás Paz as a primary candidate to inherit the iconic number 10 jersey. The Agencia Noticias Argentinas reported on these remarks regarding the future of the number 10 and the anticipated farewell.
An Emotional Farewell at Estadio Monumental
Lionel Messi is scheduled to play his final match for Argentina against Benin at the Estadio Monumental on Tuesday, in an evening that will be marked by emotion and the close of a historic chapter for Argentine football. Martínez, recognized as one of the captain’s closest confidants within the squad, acknowledged that the upcoming fixture carries immense emotional weight for the entire group as they prepare to close a historic chapter in South American football.
During the recent friendly fixture against Burkina Faso, Martínez started in goal before being substituted for Gerónimo Rulli.
The Succession of the Number 10 Jersey
With Messi’s international retirement imminent, questions surrounding the future ownership of Argentina’s prestigious number 10 shirt have dominated discussions among supporters and analysts alike.
“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,” Martínez explained, indicating that the squad expects the jersey to remain untouched until the conclusion of the current international window. The goalkeeper had previously left a signal on social media by commenting on a publication by the player. Paz, a product of Real Madrid’s youth academy who currently plays in Italy, has steadily gained traction under manager Lionel Scaloni as part of the team’s ongoing roster renewal.
Overcoming Doubts and Continuing with the Albiceleste
Beyond the transition surrounding the captaincy, Martínez addressed his own future with the national team. Months after expressing public uncertainty regarding his international continuity following the heartbreak of a World Cup final defeat, the goalkeeper confirmed that a period of reflection and a change of scenery helped restore his competitive drive.
With the squad assembled in Buenos Aires for Messi’s final appearance, Martínez confirmed his commitment to remaining a core component of Scaloni’s plans moving forward, dispelling earlier speculation about an early international exit. The Chelsea goalkeeper also highlighted the bond he built with the player from Rosario and the pride he feels for having accompanied him during his final years, expressing: 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
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Argentina Faces Benin in Messi Send-Off Match
The fixture between Argentina and Benin takes place on Tuesday at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The match serves as the official send-off for Lionel Messi before the team breaks for the upcoming FIFA international calendar.
