Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is set to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey despite suffering a broken finger on his right hand. According to TV9 Bangla, Martinez has been dealing with the injury throughout the tournament but chose to avoid surgery to continue playing for his country.

Martinez revealed in a press conference on Friday that he still experiences daily pain but was determined to stay on the field. "Yes, I still feel pain every day. I knew it would be intense, but I did not undergo surgery. Every specialist I consulted said that playing without surgery would be impossible," he said candidly.

The injury occurred on May 20 during a warm-up before the Europa League final while playing for Aston Villa. The broken pinky on his right hand prevented Martinez from training with the Argentine squad during the group stage, forcing him to undergo special training sessions separately. "I wasn’t able to practice with the team during the group matches, which was disappointing because I love training with my teammates,” Martinez admitted. “But since the match against Egypt, I have been feeling better and more fit."

Despite the injury, Martinez has guarded the net in every Argentine match so far, securing clean sheets in their 3-0 win against Algeria and 2-0 victory over Austria during the group phase. He is preparing to feature in his second consecutive World Cup final after playing a crucial role in Argentina's 2022 triumph over France.

Martinez expressed respect for Spain, Argentina’s opponent in the final, calling them a strong team with many Premier League players. "Spain is a very good team. Many of their players compete in the Premier League. Players like Lamin Yamal have helped them reach the final deservedly. But we are not a weak team either," he commented confidently.

Why this matters

Martinez’s decision to play through a painful injury highlights his dedication and resilience, key traits that have contributed to Argentina's success. His presence in the final could be pivotal to securing Argentina's second consecutive World Cup title, intensifying anticipation for the match. The goalkeeper's story also underscores the physical toll elite athletes endure during major tournaments.

As fans await the showdown between Argentina and Spain, all eyes will be on Martinez’s performance and how he manages the challenge of competing with a broken finger in such a high-stakes game.