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Emiliano Martínez reveals permanent hand injury after playing 2026 World Cup
Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez has revealed that he will suffer permanent loss of mobility in his right hand after choosing to play in the 2026 World Cup with a fractured finger.
Martínez disclosed that the injury, a ring finger fractured in half, occurred during the Europa League final while he was playing for Aston Villa. Despite medical advice to undergo surgery, he opted to delay the procedure to ensure his availability for the national team, supported by coach Lionel Scaloni.
During the tournament, Martínez described playing in extreme pain, noting he had to train with volleyballs to manage the injury and used a specialized glove provided by Adidas. He admitted the physical toll was immense, stating, “It’ll stay this way for the rest of my life,” as he can no longer fully close his fist.
In related discussions regarding the 2026 World Cup final, midfielder Enzo Fernández dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain. Fernández attributed the defeat to physical exhaustion following a demanding tournament schedule and expressed confidence that Argentina would have won had the match proceeded to a penalty shootout.
Entities
Argentina national team · Aston Villa · Emiliano Martínez · Enzo Fernández · FIFA · Ferran Torres · Lionel Scaloni · Nahuel Molina · Nico Williams · Spain national football team · Spain national team
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 7 SOURCES] Nico Williams stated that Nahuel Molina's push helped him reach the ball for the assist to Ferran Torres. diariofirmat.com.ar · www.elcorreo.com · lacritica.com.ar · www.olemagazyn.pl · 442.perfil.com · +1 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Lionel Scaloni encouraged Martínez to participate in the World Cup regardless of his physical condition. frenteacano.com.ar · tribunadepetropolis.com.br · tnonline.uol.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Emiliano Martínez used a plastic guard and specialized gloves to play with the injury. frenteacano.com.ar · tribunadepetropolis.com.br · tnonline.uol.com.br
- [● 4 SOURCES] The finger injury resulted in a permanent loss of mobility in the finger. elintransigente.com · www.excelsior.com.mx · www.fanpage.it · www.rionegro.com.ar
- [● 2 SOURCES] Nico Williams scored a goal in the first half of extra time that was disallowed due to a prior foul. www.elcorreo.com · www.aksam.com.tr
- [● 8 SOURCES] Emiliano Martínez played the World Cup with a fractured ring finger on his right hand. frenteacano.com.ar · tribunadepetropolis.com.br · diariopanorama.com · elintransigente.com · www.excelsior.com.mx · +3 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Argentine squad experienced significant physical fatigue due to consecutive extra-time matches. facundoquiroga.com · perfil.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Enzo Fernández denied conspiracy theories regarding the World Cup final loss to Spain. facundoquiroga.com · studiofutbol.com.ec · perfil.com