Who doesn’t love a trip down memory lane? Argentina made history in 2022 as the Albiceleste clinched their first World Cup title under Lionel Messi‘s captaincy. La Pulga played a crucial role throughout the tournament as he emerged as the top scorer for his team, guiding them to the one title that eluded him throughout his career. The final against France went down to the wire with the outcome of the game decided on penalties.

Everyone remembers Lionel Messi smashing the ball past Hugo Lloris to start things off for his side. However, not many people know the secret behind the stunning striker. Argentine World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez revealed the secret behind La Pulga’s penalty during a podcast with former Wrexham star Ben Foster.

Martinez revealed, “I talk about them, how Lloris do. How well he behaves. I said if you stop you score. I remember Jorginho against him in the Premier League. I think he went way too early. So I said Leo just stop and go. He will move. He won’t stay in the middle. Lloris will never stay in the middle. So it’s kind of like when I talk to my teammates in the national team, they listen. So say, at least go for one in the middle.”

The goalkeeper’s advice did wonders for Lionel Messi as La Pulga hit the ball dead center. Meanwhile, Lloris jumped to his side, completely missing the ball. Martinez then played mind games with the French penalty takers that saw two of them miss their shots gifting Argentina the World Cup title on a silver platter.

Lionel Messi looks to clinch another international trophy

All eyes will be on Argentina as Lionel Messi’s men walk into the Copa America as the defending champions. Messi has been in dominant form for Inter Miami this season and will look to lead the charge from the front as the team looks to repeat their success from 2020. The team will receive stiff competition from Brazil as Selecao looks poised to spoil Argentina’s party.

Emiliano Martinez, who played a huge role during both Copa America and the World Cup will once again man the posts, with fans relying on him to be rock solid between the posts. The shot-stopper is known for being a mind game specialist and his antics could make or break the game for Argentina’s opponents. Do you think Argentina can defend the Copa America title? Let us know in the comments below.