La Albiceleste keeps a revered idol who guards her goal, while other goalkeepers push to claim the starting spot alongside him.
Since Emiliano Martinez joined the Argentina national team, there has been little doubt about who should be the first-choice goalkeeper. His stellar performances, especially in moments of high pressure, helped forge a steelier mindset and established him as the benchmark for the squad. (Goal)
The call-up for the 2026 South American qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia features not only Martinez but a group of seasoned keepers who are eager to climb into the role behind the 23-player squad. (Goal)
In GOAL we present Lionel Scaloni’s options in his latest selection list. (Goal)
EMILIANO MARTINEZ – ASTON VILLA
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Martinez is widely regarded as the undisputed owner of the Argentine goal. In fewer than thirty appearances for his country, he has won the affection of the nation while lifting major titles, including the Copa América, Finalissima, and the World Cup. He was recognized as the best in his position during Qatar 2022, and despite rumors about a possible move, he remains with Aston Villa. (Goal)
FRANCO ARMANI – RIVER PLATE
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Even with fluctuations at River Plate, Scaloni continues to call Franco Armani into the fold. His experience and the time spent with the group give him substantial credibility when battles for the starting role arise during selection decisions. (Goal)
JUAN MUSSO – ATALANTA
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Mussuso was part of the full process that led to the World Cup, but did not get the chance to compete on the field there. He has been part of the 2019 and 2021 Copa América squads, the South American qualifiers, and various friendlies. A broken cheekbone prevented him from a head-to-head contest with Rulli during the World Cup, where he served as the third-choice goalkeeper. He now returns with a mindset to challenge for a spot in the next Copa América in 2024. (Goal)
WALTER BENITEZ – PSV
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Benitez rose from the Quilmes youth system and moved to Europe at 23. He spent several strong seasons with Nice in Ligue 1 before heading to PSV Eindhoven in 2022. There he earned a call from the Argentina coach, earning first-choice consideration for friendlies against Australia and Indonesia, and then for the opener of the 2026 qualifiers. (Goal)
At the center of Argentina’s selection plans, these candidates offer a blend of reliability, experience, and potential to shoulder the weight of international fixtures going forward. The competition among the goalkeepers reflects Scaloni’s intent to build depth behind Martinez, ensuring the national team can adapt to different tactical challenges and opponents. (Goal)
As the 2026 campaign approaches, the coaching staff will weigh factors such as club form, international maturity, and the ability to handle pressure in crucial matches. The evolving group of Argentina’s goalkeepers underscores the depth available to the team and the ongoing quest to find the best mix behind Martinez in a high-stakes era of South American football. (Goal)