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Argentina’s national team goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez, has made a bold promise should he succeed in helping Argentina clinch the 2026 FIFA World Cup title.

The trusted shot-stopper of Lionel Messi in the Argentina national team, Emiliano Martinez, has made a surprising statement. He pledged to retire from international football if La Albiceleste manage to defend their World Cup crown in 2026.

The expectations weighing on Argentina ahead of the 2026 World Cup are exceptionally high.

This is largely due to their triumphant run in the previous edition of the tournament.

At that time, Argentina emerged as champions after defeating France in the final.

Heading to North America as the reigning champions, the main mission for Lionel Scaloni’s squad is none other than to achieve back-to-back titles.

If that ambitious goal becomes reality, Emiliano Martinez has declared that he is ready to end his international career.

Martinez has been one of the key figures behind Argentina’s dominance in recent major tournaments.

If not for his crucial last-minute save against France, Lionel Messi might still be missing the one trophy that had eluded him for so long — the World Cup.

Before that, the World Cup was the only major title that La Pulga had never won.

Messi finally captured the 2022 World Cup after leading Argentina to victory over France through a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held at Lusail Iconic Stadium.

The former Barcelona captain scored twice in that match.

His first goal came from the penalty spot in the first half.

The second arrived during the latter half of extra time.

Throughout the tournament, Messi recorded 7 goals and 3 assists.

Thanks to his outstanding performance, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was named the best player of the tournament.

“If we manage to win two World Cups in a row, then that’s it,” said Martinez, as quoted by BolaSport.com from Goal International.

“I will retire from the national team.”

“We must give space to the younger players,” added the Aston Villa goalkeeper.

Argentina’s journey to defend their title will begin in Group J.

The Tango team are grouped with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

On paper, Argentina are the firm favourites to advance smoothly as group winners.