Lionel Messi spoke about Emiliano Martínez and the 2022 World Cup final against France.
Messi gave an interview with Simplemente Fútbol where he discussed wanting to play in the 2026 World Cup, Argentina’s matches in the 2022 World Cup and going first in a penalty shootout for his teams. In the interview, the Argentine also discussed Emiliano Martínez and the final against France. Here is what he had to say:
“We know that when we get to penalty kicks, we have that beast.”
He also spoke about Emiliano Martínez making the save against Randal Kolo Muani:
“It was crazy if they scored that goal. At some point you have to get lucky… in this case it wasn’t luck, it was Dibu.”
About winning the World Cup:
“Mbappé has the peace of mind that he won the 2018 World Cup. Even though it’s crazy, what he did in the final, scored four goals and still didn’t become champion.
“The same thing happened to me in 2014, it was torture for me. You also look back and think, ‘I could’ve won two.
“Being able to say that I’ve achieved everything in football is something truly valuable.
“I always say I’m very grateful to God for everything he has blessed me with. God gave me everything.”
Roma brought Soule as a replacement for injury prone Dybala, which is why Paolo started the season on the bench to avoid triggering his contract extension. However, with Soule back to performing well (thanks to coach Ranieri) and Dybala consistently injured , the club might look to sell him and generate some revenue.
There have been some rumours that Atletico might be interested in bringing Dybala, especially since that club is in desperate need of some offensive boost. Their main creative player, Greizmann, has been underwhelming lately which is why their forwards are getting little to no service. Some individual performances from players like Alvarez, Depaul, Simeone, Soloroth & Correa kept them in the title race for a while but the ongoing lack of creativity ultimately closed all the doors of winning any title.
Dybala is (sadly) done! Way too injury prone to be relied on and demands a heavy salary to boot. Soule on the other hand is an incredible talent who is young and motivated. As you said Sulav, Roma should sell Dybala to Saudi and reinforce their already impressive team to take a shot at the title next year.
It is an amazing turn of an event. I tought Ranieri was rigid and almost ruined Soule’s season. No doubt on his potential. Let’s see if he can stay fit, manage his club career well to fully attain his potential and eventually translate it to NT.
Another brilliant match winning performance by Soule, with an assist that would have made even Messi proud.
Franco mastantuono is way too young for nt let him flourish at River Plate first plus nt is not a desperate for number 10 / inverted winger
Scaloni must give more minutes nico paz.
Our priority must be who will replace aging otamendi at the back who is surprisingly isn’t declining been 37 years old but I’m sure age will catch him so we need a new cb to partner with cuti Romero
Talking of aging, tagliafico was badly exposed and rised big questions about Argentina having reliable left back. Likewise it’s just a matter of time otamedi will be exposed big time
Will scaloni pick Mastantuono for June WC qualifiers ?
Why? Do we need him? The kid is only 17.
Age is no criteria
If a player performing well he should be picked.
The level Franco mastantuono shown in this season on a consistent basis he deserves his chance.
Completely disagree, yes he is showing a lot of promise, but we are talking about the best national team in the world, one of the best ever, so the competition for spots is fierce. Mastantuono while good, is not a new Messi at 17, nor even new Lamine Yamal. Plus, we don’t need another creative playmaker, number 10 or inverted winger, plenty of options and depth, thank you very much….I’d rather give minutes to Paz and call up Soule…Mastantuono is a teenager who needs to gain experience. His recent U20 form was also hit or miss, he did not even start there on a regular basis. And with all due respect to the local league, for a NT spot he’d be competing with much better players, so let’s get serious here…
Not even close, way too young and more importantly inexperienced.
Currently he is unstoppable and best argentine player in argentine league and one of the best 3 player in south America and today also he scored one great goal against Gimnesia…very soon he will be sold to European team with record money.
Yup I agree with you. Probably the top Argentine league player currently. His level of maturity when he plays is amazing since he’s only 17.
No way. He has shown good things in bits and pieces. Loses the ball a lot, very lateral and finishing way off. Long way to go. With qualification in the bag, I would love to see Nardoni, Salas of Racing, Lemonaco of Independiente given a try. Adrian Martínez of Racing?
Laughable names except Lomonaco sorry. These old local warriors are pure mediocre. Lomonaco has to transfer to Europe asap.
This is the most i have heard Messi speak in an interview. He even talked about wanting to play in 2026. Usually he would say everything depends on time and situation. Messi is becoming vocal. Which is great.
Garnacho was excellent against Lyon. One of his best performances this season. Hope he can be more consistent.