Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, the goalkeeper for Argentina’s national football team and a key player in their World Cup triumph, will not participate in the upcoming friendly match against Angola. This match is scheduled for Friday in Luanda, and the announcement was made by head coach Lionel Scaloni last week.
Impact of Dibu Martínez’s Absence
Martínez’s absence marks a significant change for the team, as he has been a consistent presence since his debut in June 2021. He replaced Franco Armani and quickly solidified his role as the starting goalkeeper after winning the Copa América in Brazil that same year.
- Age: 33
- International Matches: 57
- Clean Sheets: 40
His last appearance for Argentina was in October 2024, where he missed out on matches against Venezuela and Bolivia due to a suspension following an incident with a television camera. In this friendly against Angola, substitutes Gerónimo Rulli and Walter Benítez are likely to take the spotlight as potential alternatives for the upcoming World Cup.
Goalkeeper Options for the Match
Rulli, who plays for Olympique de Marseille, is viewed as the frontrunner to step in as the starting goalkeeper. He has participated in six international games for Argentina, three in World Cup qualifiers and three friendly matches. He filled in for Martínez during the last two matches in October 2024.
Benítez, currently with Crystal Palace, has typically served a more peripheral role but played in a friendly against Costa Rica in March 2024.
Scaloni’s Strategy Ahead of the World Cup
Coach Scaloni emphasizes the importance of preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He remains confident that Martínez will reclaim his position once fully fit. The coach noted, “I care about Dibu playing. I don’t know what will happen at his club, but he’s likely to play.”
Martínez recently returned to his hometown, Mar del Plata, to spend time with family, using this break to recharge before the crucial matches ahead.
The upcoming friendly against Angola presents an opportunity for Argentina to explore alternatives in goalkeeping and assess their squad depth ahead of the World Cup. Scaloni plans to give young talent a chance to shine while ensuring the team’s readiness to defend their championship title.
