Here’s why Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez was in tears during Argentina’s win over Panama
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was the hero for Argentina during their World Cup victory over France in Decemeber
Argentina played their first game since winning the 2022 World Cup when they took on Panama in a friendly on Thursday evening (March 23).
It was also Lionel Scaloni’s side’s first match back in their home country following the dramatic penalty shoot-out win over France in that dramatic final in December.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi and co received a heroe’s welcome prior to their 2-0 win over Panama which was held at the Monumental de Nunez Stadium in Buenos Aires in front of 83,000 delighted supporters. Messi scored his 800th career goal with a trademark free-kick late on after Thiago Almada grabbed the opener earlier on.
The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric as the Argentina squad paraded the World Cup trophy around the ground before kick-off. The players were clearly emotional before the game, and Aston Villa’s Emi Martniez was in tears as he took in the atmosphere during the national anthem in which he received a brilliant reception from the home fans.
Tottenham’s Cristian Romero was also emotional during the national anthem, and Martinez posted a story on his Instagram account which showed him having tears in his eyes before the game. Following the win, Martinez took to Instagram, and posted pictures of the celebrations, with the caption: “A day I will never forget. This union and passion never ends.”
What did the players and manager say after the game?
After the win, Messi spoke of his joy at Winning his country’s third World Cup. He said (Via Sky Sports News):“I always dreamed of this moment, to celebrate with you in my country Argentina, lifting the greatest thing that is the World Cup. Let’s keep doing what we are doing and enjoy this, because we have been waiting a long time to win it again. Let’s enjoy the third star.”
“Eternal gratitude to these players. Football belongs to them, and without them we wouldn’t have won the World Cup. Everyone who wears this shirt gives their all and sometimes the results don’t come. But this time we got it and it’s incredible,” said the coach before a victory lap of players and families reminiscent of the one his team did 95 days ago at the Lusail Stadium.”