Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez experienced an emotional encounter with 11-year-old reporter Mica Sin Frenos during a visit to the Turismo Carretera motorsport event.
Martínez took time off from national team duties ahead of Argentina's friendly match against Benin to visit his brother Alejandro, who competes as a driver in the series.
During his appearance at the paddock, Mica, the daughter of driver Sebastián Carinelli who dreams of becoming a journalist, interviewed the World Cup winner. Asked which match he would like to play again, Martínez immediately answered with a laugh that he would choose the 2022 World Cup final against France to see if he could keep a clean sheet without conceding three goals.
The conversation then turned to the recent 2026 World Cup decision against Spain, where Martínez mentioned that he would have preferred taking the game to a penalty shootout. Mica interrupted the goalkeeper with a tearful voice and watery eyes, telling him that leading the national team to face England was already a massive achievement.
Mica added that defeating England carried far greater value for Argentines because of the history surrounding the Malvinas. Martínez was moved by the statement and agreed with the young reporter, saying that beating England was sweeter than defeating Spain, although he acknowledged that a team cannot win every match.
National Hero and Historic Rivalries
Martínez, who plays professionally for English Premier League club Aston Villa, established himself as a central figure for Argentina during their successful 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar. His decisive late save in extra time against France and his subsequent performance in the penalty shootout earned him widespread acclaim as one of the world's premier goalkeepers.
The young reporter's reference to the Malvinas touches on a deeply emotional topic within Argentine society. Known in the United Kingdom as the Falkland Islands, the South Atlantic archipelago was at the centre of the 1982 conflict between Argentina and Britain. Sporting contests between the two nations have since retained major cultural and historical significance for the Argentine public.
Turismo Carretera, where the interview took place, is Argentina's oldest and most popular stock car racing category. Created in 1937, the championship attracts top drivers across the country, including Martínez's brother Alejandro and Sebastián Carinelli.
Messi Farewell and National Team Friendly
The goalkeeper's visit to the racetrack took place on the eve of a major fixture for the national team, commonly referred to as the Albiceleste. Argentina is scheduled to play an international friendly against Benin on Tuesday at the Estadio Monumental de Nuñez in Buenos Aires.
The match holds particular significance as it marks the international farewell for captain Lionel Messi, who is making his final appearance for Argentina in front of home supporters at the iconic venue.
The Estadio Monumental, located in the Argentine capital, serves as the home stadium for River Plate and functions as the primary ground for high-profile international matches hosted by the nation.
