Argentina star Dibu Martinez reflects on his moment as world’s best goalkeeper and Messi as a role model

Few goalkeepers have been able to maintain the same level of performance as Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez, who has impressed both with the Argentina national team and Aston Villa. The goalkeeper opened up about his current form, discussing his status as the best in the world in his position and how Lionel Messi serves as a role model.

Martinez solidified his reputation after the 2022 World Cup, being named the best goalkeeper by France Football (Ballon d’Or organizers) and FIFA (winning The Best award). He continued this success into 2024. In an interview with Telefe’s Sofia Martinez, the goalkeeper shared how he handles this great moment in his career:

“I try to keep working with my psychologist and tell myself: ‘I’m a world champion, and I’ve won 4 Golden Gloves: 2 The Best and 2 Yashin as the best goalkeeper in the world.‘ At the club, we are sometimes vulnerable defensively. I come here to the national team and want to keep a clean sheet because I’m close to Romero’s record, and I want to surpass it,” Martinez explained.

The goalkeeper doubled down on his thoughts, emphasizing that he sees no rival at this moment in his career: “I try to find something to push myself further. I’ve already surpassed everything I wanted, everything. Now, I’m missing things that push me to fight against myself. Nowadays, it’s Dibu vs. Dibu because I’ve reached the top. How do I fight against that? It’s hard to reach the top, but once you get there, you think, ‘Well, what do I do now?‘”

Martínez also spoke about Messi, who continues to be an example of resilience and striving for more. “The best example is Leo. I have him, and he keeps pushing himself even after winning 37 Ballon d’Ors. Why should I rest if I can do more?,” the goalkeeper jokingly said.

While The Best and Lev Yashin awards might not yet carry the same historic weight as older accolades, it’s clear that Martinez has maintained an exceptional level of play that has benefitted both Argentina and Aston Villa with him in goal.

Martinez and the possibility of a third award

Martinez’s four Golden Glove trophies have become a historic achievement in recent football history. With his wins in 2022 and 2024, he became the only goalkeeper to win two FIFA The Best Goalkeeper awards and two Lev Yashin awards—accomplishments that Thibaut Courtois, Manuel Neuer, Ederson Moraes, and Alisson Becker could not achieve. Now, Martínez could be eyeing even more.

Despite sitting 9th in the Premier League, Aston Villa are still alive in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. With no international tournaments like the World Cup, EUROs, or Copa America on the horizon, if the English side makes a deep run in the competition, Martinez could once again find himself in contention for a third The Best award as the best goalkeeper.