Emiliano Martinez was back in action on Thursday night following his failed deadline day transfer to Manchester United, in an emotionally-charged Argentina win over Venezuela.
Argentina won 3-0 in what could be Lionel Messi’s final home game for his country, yet it was a welcome return to the pitch for goalkeeper Martinez.
Martinez had hoped to move to Manchester United on transfer deadline day, but United opted to sign Senne Lammens instead and Martinez was left frustrated at the collapse.
Emiliano Martinez in action for Aston Villa in the Premier League
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
He now faces a return to Aston Villa, having been omitted from their previous Premier League clash with Crystal Palace by manager Unai Emery – who appeared unhappy with Martinez at the time.
Emiliano Martinez’s brother explains what he really thinks about failed Manchester United transfer and Unai Emery
It appears that the initial frustration at Martinez’s deadline day drama has already disappeared, with Alejandro Martinez, the goalkeeper’s brother, speaking to Argentinian radio about the situation.
He told DSports Radio: “These are decisions made by club directors. It didn’t happen, but it’s like everything commercial. The sporting aspect was left aside, and everything is fine.
“Emi never had an argument with Unai [Emery]. It was all left to the directors, and the clubs couldn’t agree.
“They love him, and it showed on the field. He’s beloved, and the management didn’t want to sell him because he’s a key player for the team and another team wanted him. It was a trade dispute.”
Emiliano Martinez kept quiet in return to action with Argentina, no shots to save
In a game dominated by Lionel Messi’s future, Argentina strolled to victory to continue preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
Emiliano Martinez gestures during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Venezuela
Photo by JUAN MABROMATA/AFP via Getty Images
Martinez kept a clean sheet, without having a shot to save as Venezuela sent all of their five efforts off target. He enjoyed a 95 per cent pass completion rate and found a teammate with three of his four long balls.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni previously backed Martinez to put the failed transfer behind him, saying: “I saw Emiliano doing well… in the end, his transfer didn’t happen, but I saw him happy, he looked good.
“He must have been excited about playing for Manchester United, as they said, but he’s a positive kid who’s already thinking about us and returning to his club, which is what he needs to think about.”