Emiliano Martinez is ready to fight for glory alongside “the greatest player of all time” Lionel Messi as Argentina take on France in the World Cup final.
Argentina are bidding to emulate the heroes of 1978 and 1986 in Sunday’s final at Lusail Stadium, where the reigning champions stand between Lionel Scaloni’s side and footballing immortality.
France are looking to become just the third team in history to win successive World Cups and go into the final as slight favourites, but with last year’s Copa America triumph and Messi’s inspirational quality to call upon, Argentina goalkeeper Martinez is unfazed by such labels.
“Obviously when we won in Brazil the favourite was considered to be Brazil and it happens the same right now,” Martinez said. “People can say that the favourites are France, but we have the great advantage to have the greatest player of all time.
“We always like to hear that the opponent is the favourite because we don’t feel either superior or inferior to anyone. But, as I always say, we have the greatest player of all time. And with a good defence, we have many chances to reach our goal.”
Messi is playing at his fifth and final World Cup and looking to crown a glittering career with victory in Qatar.
“I see him very happy,” Martinez said of the Argentina skipper. “He feels very well on the pitch. I saw a great Messi in Copa America. He was an exceptional player, one of the best undoubtedly in Copa America – and in this World Cup he took a step forward compared to Copa America.
“He’s playing very well, and this gives so much energy to the whole squad because we have the greatest player. He’s excited, he is full of joy and this helps us very much.”
Will Messi crown career with glory?
Messi will become the record appearance maker in World Cup history on Sunday when he plays his 26th and final match on this stage.
Having broken onto the scene as a teenager in 2006 and gone on to reach the final in 2014, the 35-year-old this week confirmed his fifth finals will be his last.
Now comes the chance to crown his glittering career by captaining Argentina to their first World Cup triumph since the late Diego Maradona inspired the side to victory in 1986.
Messi has looked particularly driven throughout the tournament in Qatar, leading his side with aplomb and scoring five goals in the process.
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