Argentina’s national football team is preparing for an upcoming friendly match against Angola in Luanda. However, a significant absence is that of Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, the team’s primary goalkeeper and vital figure in their latest title victory.
Absence of Dibu Martínez
Dibu Martínez, who plays for Aston Villa, will not feature in this match. Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed his absence last week, allowing other players to step into key roles. Despite this setback, the team will still include prominent players such as captain Lionel Messi and forwards Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
Career and Performance
At 33 years old, Martínez has 57 international caps, boasting an impressive record of 40 clean sheets. He became a staple for Argentina’s goalkeeping since stepping in for Franco Armani in June 2021 during a World Cup qualifier against Chile. His rise culminated with winning the Copa América in Brazil in 2021.
Martínez’s last absence from the national squad was in October 2024 due to a two-match suspension for an incident involving a camera. This included missing a 1-1 draw with Venezuela and a 6-0 victory against Bolivia.
Opportunities for Backup Goalkeepers
This friendly against Angola presents a significant opportunity for the backup goalkeepers. Gerónimo Rulli and Walter Benítez are the two main candidates to fill the void left by Martínez.
- Gerónimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille): 33 years old, he has represented Argentina in six matches, including three qualifiers.
- Walter Benítez (Crystal Palace): At 32, he has appeared only once for the national team, playing in a friendly against Costa Rica in March 2024.
Future Prospects
Scaloni remains confident in Martínez’s return as the number one goalkeeper for the upcoming World Cup in North America in 2026. He emphasized the importance of giving Martínez some rest during this FIFA match window. This match serves as a final opportunity for the team to evaluate its talent before the tournament next year.
As Dibu Martínez enjoys a brief respite in his hometown of Mar del Plata, located 415 km south of Buenos Aires, the team will look to combine experience and fresh talent in this friendly.
