Emi Martinez explains epic 2022 World Cup tattoo which includes an everlasting nod to iconic final save from France forward Randal Kolo Muani

Argentina were, despite leading 2-0 and 3-2 at different points of the game, in danger of seeing their dreams dashed late in extra-time when Kolo Muani raced through on goal. Martinez dashed off his line to spread himself, with a sprawling stop keeping the scores level and giving Lionel Messi and Co a shot at claiming a global crown in a thrilling penalty shootout.

Martinez delivered more heroics in a test of nerves from 12 yards, as Argentina savoured their first World Cup triumph since the Diego Maradona-inspired days of 1986, and several members of the squad had already vowed to get lasting mementos of a special day.

Discussing his body art with the Men In Blazers podcast, which sits on his left calf, Martinez said: “It’s amazing. We made a bet with some of my mates in the national team after we lost the first game [against Saudi Arabia]. I said: ‘If we win the World Cup, we are going to do a tattoo with our names and shirt numbers’.

“When I saved that ball and we won the World Cup, they all said ‘we know where you are going to do the tattoo, you have to do it there in that spot’. I just did a star in the exact spot that the ball hit. In my tattoo, the 22 star is exactly where the ball hit.”

Martinez went on to say of the emotions that are conjured up every time that he looks at the World Cup inking on his leg: “Just proud. I came to England at such a young age, without speaking the language, different weather, different people and different culture. Looking back 16 years ago, I’m proud to be here, being a world champion, winning so many titles and individual awards. It just makes me proud and keep going.”

Martinez, who initially linked up with Arsenal when moving to England, is now starring in the Premier League for Aston Villa. He has become a two-time winner of the FIFA Best Goalkeeper award, while also claiming a couple of Copa America titles with Argentina.