17/06/2026 13:43 - Deportes
Arquero argentino con el número 23 en la espalda atajando durante un partido nocturno en estadio repleto de banderas celestes y blancas
At Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, where Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 with a historic hat-trick by Lionel Messi, Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez played a match with little work but one heart-stopping moment for Argentine fans.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper, who was a game-time decision due to a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand suffered during the Europa League final with Aston Villa, completed the full 90 minutes showing no signs of pain or discomfort in his injured hand.
At the 7-minute mark of the first half, Algerian striker Fares Chaibi fired a shot at the near post after a through ball from the right side of the Argentine defense, leaving Albiceleste hearts frozen.
On that play, Martínez didn't offer his usual response at his customary level: the ball went through the first post defended by the goalkeeper, who couldn't react with the expected decisiveness. Fortunately for Argentina, the linesman raised the flag and VAR confirmed that Chaibi was in an offside position.
This was the only moment of genuine danger faced by the Mar del Plata native throughout the match, as Algeria rarely troubled the Argentine goal during the remainder of the game.
Regarding his contribution to the game, Martínez performed admirably: he constantly offered himself as a passing option for his teammates against Algeria's initial pressure on Argentina's buildup.
Additionally, he played a direct role in Messi's second goal: from his feet he enabled the captain, who sent in a cross that the African defense cleared; the ball reached Alexis Mac Allister and his shot was deflected by Luca Zidane for the "10" to convert the 2-0 partial score.
| Date: | June 16, 2026 |
| Venue: | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |
| Result: | Argentina 3-0 Algeria |
| Goals: | Messi 16', 59', 75' |
| Referee: | Szymon Marciniak (Poland) |
| Clean Sheet: | Yes |
Lionel Scaloni's team will play again on June 22 against Austria in Dallas (2:00 PM Argentina time) and will close the group stage on June 27 against Jordan, also in Dallas (10:00 PM).
Argentina leads Group J with 3 points and a +3 goal difference, followed by Austria with 3 points and +2. Algeria and Jordan close the group with no points.
Source: El Día
Alfredo S. Quiroga
