Emiliano Martínez sets record with 40th clean sheet as Argentina beats Algeria

Argentina opened its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3‑0 victory over Algeria, highlighted by Lionel Messi's hat‑trick. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also made headlines, keeping a clean sheet and becoming the fastest keeper in history to reach 40 international shut‑outs for Argentina.

Martínez, playing for Aston Villa, recorded 41 passes – the highest number ever by an Argentine goalkeeper in a World Cup match – and dismissed any talk of being a tournament favorite, stressing the team's humility and resolve. He confirmed he is fully recovered from an earlier finger fracture and praised the collective effort that kept the opposition at bay.