Emiliano Martinez Sets World Cup Final Saves Record Despite Argentina's Defeat

Emiliano Martinez put in a record-breaking display in a losing cause on Sunday. The Argentina goalkeeper made 11 saves in the World Cup final against Spain, the most ever recorded in a final, but it wasn't enough to stop his side losing 1-0 after extra time.

Martinez broke the previous record of 8 saves, set in the 1994 final between Brazil and Italy, with his ninth stop late in regulation. Spain dominated possession and peppered his goal throughout, firing 11 shots on target, yet Argentina failed to register a single shot on target of their own in the match.

He did it all while carrying a fractured finger on his right hand, an injury he had been managing without surgery through the tournament. His best moments came right at the end of normal time, denying a long-range effort from Nico Williams and then a stoppage-time free-kick from Lamine Yamal to force extra time.

The dam finally broke in the 106th minute, when Ferran Torres struck to win it for Spain. Martinez was also the hero of Argentina's 2022 title win, saving a decisive penalty in that final against France. This time, his heroics were not enough to deliver back-to-back titles.