Argentina won 2022 World Cup because of Emi Martinez, not Lionel Messi, claims ex-Albiceleste star

The Albiceleste savoured global glory in Qatar after delivering the perfect response to a shock defeat against Saudi Arabia in their opening fixture. Messi, who claimed an eighth Ballon d’Or on the back of completing his medal collection, was at his mercurial best in the Middle East.

Messi claimed the Golden Ball, as the best player in the tournament, and finished just one effort behind France forward Kylian Mbappe in the Golden Boot race after registering seven goals in total – becoming the first man to score in every round of a World Cup competition.

Argentina did, however, drag themselves over the line courtesy of penalty shootout victories over the Netherlands in the quarter-finals and France in an epic final. Aston Villa keeper Martinez was the star of the show there as he conjured up more spot-kick-saving heroics.

For Gatti, Messi’s influence on a stunning victory has been overplayed. The legendary goalkeeper has told Bolavip: “I don't criticise Messi, I say he's good. I say it and I will say it again. From what there has been in recent times, he was very good and his competition with Cristiano [Ronaldo] was great. But he wasn't the best.”

Gatti added: “It's the same as saying that Messi was the most important footballer in the World Cup. Argentina won the World Cup because of Dibu Martinez, otherwise they wouldn't have won it. That's the reality. People want to hear what they think, but I transmit what I saw and what I feel. That's the difference, that's why I'm discussed, and why they call me crazy!”

Messi and Martinez have since gone on to land a second Copa America title together, claiming more individual awards along the way. They are expected to form part of Lionel Scaloni’s plans when Argentina put their World Cup crown on the line in 2026.