Ferran Torres’ World Cup winner ends Emiliano Martinez’s insane career finals streak

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain marked Emiliano Martinez’s eighth time playing in a final.

Emiliano Martinez may have ended up on the losing side, but he had a sensational performance against Spain.

After all, Martinez had 11 saves against the eventual World Cup champions as Argentina failed to defend their trophy.

Unfortunately, for Martinez, the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Spain also ended an unbelievable finals streak of his career.

Emiliano Martinez lost the first final of his professional career

Over the last six years or so, Martinez has established himself as one of the best Argentine goalkeepers to ever play soccer.

One stat that backs Martinez’s phenomenal career is never losing a final throughout his career. Yes, heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, Martinez had a perfect 7-of-7 record.

However, Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute game-winner ended this insane streak of Emi Martinez’s career, as he had to settle for the runners-up medal.

Speaking of his finals record, Martinez had previously played in and won the 2020 FA Cup, the 2020 FA Community Shield, the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2024 Copa America, and the 2026 UEFA Europa League.

At 33 years old, Martinez has certainly entered the twilight years of his soccer career, and it will be interesting to see what’s next for him after the heartbreaking defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

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