Emi Martinez out to snatch two Argentina records from ex-Man Utd goalkeeper as World Cup winner eyes more entries in the history books

The enigmatic Aston Villa goalkeeper is already assured of legend status in his homeland after helping the Albicelste to Copa America and World Cup triumphs. His performances at those events – particularly in penalty shootouts – are set to live long in the memory.

Martinez only made his senior international debut at 28 years of age, in June 2021, but he is already up to 33 caps and believes he can push towards becoming an Argentine centurion – something that no other keeper has achieved for the South American nation.

Martinez sits eighth on Argentina’s goalkeeper appearance list at present – behind the likes of German Burgos, Sergio Goycochea and Ubaldo Fillol – with ex-Manchester United shot-stopper and current Boca Juniors star Romero topping the charts with 96 caps. Martinez has told TyC Sports of chasing ‘Chiquito’ down: "I cannot say that I am the best when I still have a lot to do. I want to reach 100 games and surpass it. Everyone talks about Goyco or Pato, but Chiquito did a great job in the national team. He reached a world final; two Copa America finals. We were unlucky to lose, but he did a great job.”

Martinez also has Argentina’s clean sheet record in his sights, having secured seven successive shut-outs dating back to the 2022 World Cup final. He now has 24 to his name in total, with Romero once again topping that roll of honour on 47.