Emiliano Martinez Reveals Broken Finger Pain, Delays Surgery for Argentina's World Cup Final

July 19, 2026: Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez has revealed that he has been playing the entire FIFA World Cup with a broken finger, despite suffering severe pain every day. The star goalkeeper has postponed surgery to continue representing his country and says he has no regrets about the decision.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Sunday's World Cup final against Spain, Martinez admitted that the injury has made life difficult, but his commitment to Argentina remains stronger than the pain.

"My hand still hurts every day," Martinez said. "The pain has not gone away. Almost every specialist I consulted in the United States and England advised me to undergo surgery. During the group stage, I could not even train properly. But once the knockout rounds began, I stopped thinking about it. I feel much better now."

Focused on Another World Cup Glory

Martinez was one of Argentina's biggest heroes during their World Cup triumph, producing crucial saves in the penalty shootout against the Netherlands and delivering another outstanding performance in the final against France. Once again, he is expected to play a key role as Argentina chase another world title.

The goalkeeper also recalled a conversation with teammate Nicolas Gonzalez, where he joked about retiring after winning two World Cups.

"Yes, I told Nico that during training," Martinez said. "But before thinking about retirement, we have to win this final. That is my only focus right now. This team has grown stronger over the years. Sometimes I become emotional when I think about everything we have achieved. I believe there are still many happy moments ahead."

Martinez added that he is enjoying this World Cup even more than the previous one.

🚨🗣️ Emiliano Martínez on his hand injury: "My hand still hurts, every day. I knew that, but I put off the surgery."

"All the specialists told me I needed a surgery. It bothers me because I love training, but since the round of 16 I’ve been training as normal and I feel so much… pic.twitter.com/njdzAwPxIH

— LowBlockClub (@LowBlockClub) July 18, 2026

"I am enjoying this tournament more than the last World Cup," he said. "I was very disappointed after our defeat to Saudi Arabia. I did not face many shots in that match, but they still scored. Later, I was able to help the team during the penalty shootout. My footwork has improved, and I will step onto the field on Sunday with a smile."

The Argentine goalkeeper also made it clear that criticism and conceding goals do not affect his confidence.

"An opponent may score one or two goals against me," Martinez said. "But in the next match, I will still be the same Dibu. I never play under pressure. The moment I put on my gloves, my confidence returns."

Martinez also praised Spain ahead of the final, calling them one of the strongest teams in the tournament.

"Spain are an outstanding team," he said. "I know many of their players from the Premier League, and their coach has done an excellent job. It is not just Lamine Yamal; the entire squad is full of quality. They deserve to be in the final. But we also have our strengths. I hope football fans around the world witness a final they will remember for a long time."