Overview
- On Wednesday Martínez posted a message saying he would ‘‘reflect’’ and consider whether it was time to ‘‘take a step aside,’’ a post that sparked wide public speculation about his national-team future.
- Hours later his partner, Mandinha, published an emotional Instagram letter saying Martínez fractured a finger before the tournament and that several specialists had advised surgery that would likely have ruled him out of the World Cup.
- Mandinha and reports noted Martínez avoided surgery to remain available and still produced a standout performance in the final, with coverage citing a record 11 saves in the match despite the injury.
- There is no formal retirement announcement from Martínez and the Argentine Football Association has not commented, leaving selection and medical decisions unresolved ahead of team planning.
- Coach Lionel Scaloni has also expressed uncertainty about his own future, which together with Martínez’s situation raises questions about the squad’s short-term recovery and longer-term renewal plans.