Argentina’s national football team is preparing for a friendly match against Angola in Luanda, but they will be without their star goalkeeper, Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez. Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Martínez’s absence last week, presenting a significant challenge for the team ahead of this encounter.
Argentina’s Key Players for the Friendly
Despite Dibu Martínez not being part of the squad, Argentina will field other prominent players. Captain Lionel Messi will lead the team, supported by regular starters such as Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
Dibu Martínez: A Brief Profile
- Age: 33 years
- International Caps: 57 matches
- Clean Sheets: 40 matches
- Club: Aston Villa
Martínez has been a pivotal figure for the national team since his debut in June 2021. This was during a World Cup qualifying match against Chile. His key performances include winning the Copa América in Brazil in 2021, which solidified his position as the starting goalkeeper.
Previous Absences
Martínez last missed a match in October 2024 due to a two-match suspension for an incident involving a camera after a loss against Colombia. Before that, he was absent for a 1-1 draw with Venezuela and a 6-0 victory against Bolivia.
Opportunities for Backup Goalkeepers
With Martínez resting, the match against Angola offers a vital opportunity for backup goalkeepers Gerónimo Rulli and Walter Benítez. Both have limited international experience but are in contention for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America.
- Gerónimo Rulli: 33 years old, 6 matches for Argentina, notably filling in for Martínez in October.
- Walter Benítez: 32 years old, has played just 1 match, an international friendly against Costa Rica in March 2024.
Looking Ahead
Scaloni emphasized the need to test different players during this friendly, recognizing that the match represents one of the last opportunities to solidify the team before the World Cup. The coach expressed his commitment to Dibu Martínez, emphasizing his importance for the upcoming tournament.
As the team preps for the friendly and ultimately the World Cup, the absence of Martínez highlights the dynamic nature of international football and the need for versatile squad readiness.
