Argentina's Goalkeeper Gets Emotional Ahead of World Cup Final Showdown.

"Sometimes I cry thinking about what we've achieved" Martinez opens up about Argentina's incredible journey

Argentina's star goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has revealed that he sometimes breaks down in tears when reflecting on his team's remarkable success over the past few years.

Speaking to reporters in New York ahead of Sunday's World Cup final against Spain at MetLife Stadium, the 33-year-old shot stopper admitted the magnitude of what Argentina has accomplished still hits him emotionally.

"I am focused only on winning. The whole team has improved so much and this is something we have spent years building," said the Aston Villa keeper.

"Honestly sometimes I cry to myself thinking about what we have achieved. I am just trying to enjoy the moment. Because sometimes as footballers you don't really realise where you are in your career."

Martinez, who became a national hero during Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, urged his teammates to soak in every moment before Sunday's final.

"My message to my teammates is that they should enjoy this moment, prepare with a smile on our faces. This is something we will remember forever," he said.

The goalkeeper is best remembered for that incredible save deep into extra time against France in the 2022 final, denying Randal Kolo Muani what would have been a last gasp winner. Argentina had been cruising at 2-0 before Kylian Mbappe's late heroics forced extra time, with Lionel Messi's penalty seemingly sealing it before Mbappe completed his hat trick to force penalties.

"In the last final we were far superior to France for 80 minutes up until their penalty, but in the end we conceded three goals and usually when you let in three goals in a final you are more likely to lose," Martinez recalled.

"I just had to make that save right at the end. Sometimes it comes off you and goes in. Against Jordan (in this year's group stage) it hit me and went in. The other day it went through my legs. Thankfully in the final it didn't."

Despite arriving at the tournament with a fractured finger suffered in the Europa League final with Aston Villa in May, Martinez believes he's playing even better than in 2022.

"I think I am playing better with my feet, my decision making is much better, and I am eternally grateful to be playing in my fifth final with this team."

Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup trophy.

When asked about the legacy his generation might leave behind, Martinez pointed to the team's working class roots.

"The players in the team come from working class backgrounds. Our parents have to work hard, and I think the Argentine people will remember us as hard workers, who never admit defeat even if sometimes things are hard we always come through, like in this World Cup."