Emiliano Martinez suffered physically and emotionally in order to play at the 2026 World Cup, where he almost helped Argentina retain their crown - losing in the final to Spain
(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Emiliano Martinez has revealed he cried every night after fearing his serious finger injury would prevent him from playing at the World Cup. The Chelsea goalkeeper reached his second consecutive final at the competition with Argentina this past summer, but lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time.
However, Martinez almost didn't travel with Lionel Scaloni's side after breaking his finger in Aston Villa's Europa League final triumph against Freiburg. The 34-year-old was convinced he'd miss the World Cup given the gravity of the injury, but was supported by national team coach Lionel Scaloni.
A specially modified Adidas glove was created for the goalkeeper to compete in the competition. Martinez decided against surgery and remains in need of an operation months after the World Cup and admitted he's in daily pain.
In an interview with Los Edul, the Albiceleste hero said his hand will remain disfigured after demonstrating a clenched fist unable to close his broken finger. Martinez said: "It will stay like this for the rest of my life. I broke my finger in the Europa League final.
"When the doctor showed me the X-ray, I started crying because I thought I would miss the World Cup. Scaloni messaged me and said: ‘Whether you make it or not, I’ll back you… come anyway’. We decided not to have surgery. Adidas made me a special glove, and I played with my finger completely wrapped.
"I could only feel four fingers. I couldn’t even train with normal footballs. I trained with volleyballs until the Switzerland game. How much did it affect me at the World Cup? Ten out of ten. I was practically a zombie."
Martinez detailed the sheer emotional toll of playing through the injury as he added: "Every time my hand touched the ground, I saw stars. I cried until midnight because my finger was swollen like a blood sausage.
EMI Martinez compared his two clenched firsts, with the fourth finger on his right hand unable to close
The 34-year-old admitted he's still in daily pain(Image: YouTube/Gastón Edul)
View 2 Images
"After the World Cup, I had another X-ray and the finger was still broken in half. I still play through pain today. I’ll eventually need surgery." Martinez's summer didn't wind down after the World Cup as he secured a £7.5million move to Chelsea.
He quickly usurped Robert Sanchez as the Blues' number one, with the Spaniard sent on loan to Como for the rest of the season. He made six appearances for the west London side before suffering a broken jaw against Everton a fortnight ago.
He's remained out of action since and has undergone surgery, with Belgian stopper Mike Penders stepping up in his absence.
Join our WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.