Argentina national team stand at the top of the World Cup Qualifiers table with 35 points in 16 matches.
Now, La Albiceleste's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, and his squad are headed to play their next qualifying games this month. Argentina are set to host Venezuela at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on September 4.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming clash, Scaloni discussed Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's future with the national team following a bitter end to the summer transfer window for the 33-year-old.
Martinez arrived at Aston Villa from his boyhood club, Arsenal, in 2020, and his current contract with the club is valid until June 2029. However, the Lions signed Marco Bizot from Brest this summer, and their manager Unai Emery has suggested that the Dutchman would now be the team's first-choice goalkeeper.
Amid uncertainties about his future at Villa Park, Martinez was close to making a move to Manchester United on deadline day, with reports suggesting that an agreement on personal terms was also in place. However, the Red Devils decided to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for £18 million (€21m/$24.5m) instead.
Now, with strong possibilities of Martinez lacking regular gametime at Aston Villa and the 2026 World Cup approaching, Scaloni shared his thoughts on the situation.
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What did Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni say about Emiliano Martinez?
Scaloni stated that despite the transfer to Man United falling through, Martinez remains 'positive' and is 'doing well.'
"I saw Emiliano doing well... in the end, his transfer didn't happen, but yesterday [September 2] was his birthday and I saw him happy, he looked good. Obviously, he must have been excited about playing for Manchester United, as they said, but he's a positive kid who's already thinking about us and returning to his club, which is what he needs to think about. But I saw him doing well," as per GOAL.
Scaloni mentioned not being worried about Martinez’s future and added,
"We'll wait and see what happens, because he's losing continuity. Why should I worry now? Why should I get ahead of myself? It's true that we're interested in them playing. I understand that if he stays, everything will continue as normal, but it's not my decision. We'll see what happens..."
After their clash against Venezuela, Argentina are set to face Ecuador in their next World Cup Qualifiers’ match on September 9.