We will again try to win Copa America and hopefully next World Cup, shares Emiliano Martinez

The goalkeeper was present in Kolkata for a fan event.

Emiliano Martinez, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Golden Glove winner visited Kolkata for a two days tour in Kolkata. Martinez who was one of the influential figures for Argentina who helped the Albicelestes in claiming their third World Cup title in Qatar.

The Aston Villa man attended a fan event in the City of Joy and spoke on various topics along with Lionel Messi and Indian Football.

On Lionel Messi

Whenever there is a mention of Argentina football team, it is impossible to not talk about Lionel Andres Messi. The Argentinian #10 has won all the trophies there are to win in football. When questioned about who he thinks the Greatest of all times is, Emiliano Martinez said, “ The only thing I will say is Messi is the best ever player and there will no Messi ever in future. It is hard to be like him.”

On Copa America Heroics

Argentina won the Copa America in the year 2021 and Martinez proved his worth in the continental tournament as well where he stopped 2 penalties against Colombia in the semifinal. He reflected on his performance and said, “ I am mentally a winner and when I play in goal I think I can be the best. In two years we won everything as an International (side). The Copa America, The Finalissima against Italy, and the World Cup. We will again try to win Copa America and hopefully the next World Cup.”

Lionel Messi a leader

Emiliano gave his thoughts on how Leo Messi is a leader and how does he behave in the dressing room. “He is a born winner. He was born to win. He used to talk before every game and in the final he said thank you to everyone and I know all of you will be fighting for me to win this World Cup and we say in the group we are going to win it for him”

On the Penalty shootout in the Final

The Argentian goalkeeper spoke about his strategy for the penalty shootout in the final he said, “ What can I do to create chaos and one of the ways was to throw the ball away, play with the referees and all the (other) things I have done (but) FIFA change the rules so it works, but I have already won the World Cup."

On Kolkata

Emiliano quipped that he was happy to visit Kolkata and said, ” I am overwhelmed to see the support of the fans and now I realise importance of winning the World Cup and travelling to places like this. I promised that I will come to see Kolkata the beautiful city and I am very proud today."

Thoughts on developing Indian football

Emiliano gave his two cents on how can Indian Football develop further by stating, “You will need to bring good European coaches who can teach the kids. I bring the European techniques back home in Argentina and help the goalkeepers improve and if India can do that they can play the World Cup,” he concluded