Neal Maupay Says Emiliano Martinez ‘Should Be Grateful’ For Helping Lionel Messi’s Argentina Win the World Cup After Domino Effect

Destiny is no matter of chance, but sometimes good fortunes come to find you with just pure coincidence. Such is the story of Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez. From not being picked for Arsenal to going on to help Lionel Messi win the World Cup, there are many lines to read in between. Neal Maupay, who unexpectedly played a vital role in Martinez gaining traction, jokingly stated that the goalie should be paying his respects.

Martinez was one of the main reasons Argentina won the World Cup. His incredible penalty stops, along with his crucial save in the dying minutes of the final, were the main reasons for Argentina to win the trophy. But all the major incidents can be due to small things that happen in soccer.

Neal Maupay reminisces on the unusual help he once provided Dibu

It’s a well-known fact in soccer that Emi Martinez is one of the most elite goalkeepers in the world right now. But the player only became visible to the world after he joined Aston Villa in 2020 right after showcasing his hidden shot-stopping prowess at Arsenal. After the Gunners’ Bernd Leno got injured by ex-Brighton and Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay, Emi Martinez got a chance to prove himself to the soccer world. According to an Instagram post, the Frenchman said, “Should be grateful, shouldn’t he?“ light-heartedly claiming the credit.

Neil Maupay remembered the time in 2020 when he scored a goal in injury time against Arsenal. Prior to that, Maupay clashed with Leno, which injured him and the German had to be taken off, immediately leading to the establishment of Martinez as a talent. Maupay has agreed that the incident was a game-changer for the 31-year-old star.

Arsenal was probably not at its best during those few years. The club failed to win any trophy in the few previous years. However, the Argentinian keeper helped the team win the year’s FA Cup in 2020, giving him the required visibility. Subsequently, the star moved to Aston Villa and never looked back.

Emi Martinez’s role in Lionel Messi’s international success

The player’s contribution was significant to Lionel Messi’s much-desired World Cup triumph. Martinez saved three penalties against Colombia in the semifinals, helping Argentina reach the 2021 Copa America final, which they eventually won. His World Cup role is nothing new to soccer fans after France failed to beat him twice in the final penalty shootout, which proved to be the main reason for Albiceleste’s victory.

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The player went on to become the best goalkeeper of last season, winning the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or awards. Also, the player has been in scintillating form for his club, with four clean sheets, placing the Villans second on the table currently. On the whole, the player’s drastic change in career is evident, and he will aim to add next year’s Copa America to his list.

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