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Lionel Messi's Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez has issued an apology after being handed a two-match ban by FIFA following his actions during Argentina's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.
The first of his controversial gestures saw Martinez repeat his infamous World Cup 2022 celebrations after La Albiceleste's 3-0 win over Chile at the Estadio Mas Monumental on September 5. He had held the Copa America 2024 trophy against his groin area to celebrate the win.
Five days later, Martinez was captured hitting a camera with his gloves after being approached by a cameraman following Argentina's 2-1 loss to Colombia at the Estadio Metropolitano.
After being issued the two-match suspension, the Aston Villa shot-stopper issued an apology via an Instagram post (as translated from Spanish):
"I accept the sanction of the@fifaand I apologise if I offended anyone, the moment of celebration is to make people smile. I will support my friends on this FIFA date with the pain of not being able to be there."
He continued:
"It was never my intention to disrespect anyone, nor did I understand that a gesture well received by people was offensive, but I will try not to offend anyone anymore and just focus on winning titles with Argentina and Aston Villa 🇦🇷 @afaseleccion"
As a result of his ban, Emiliano Martinez will miss the World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela (October 11) and Bolivia (October 16). Argentina tactician Lionel Scaloni will have to rely on either Walter Benitez or Geronimo Rulli before Martinez becomes available to face Paraguay on November 14.
La Albiceleste are atop the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with 18 points in eight matches.
"He finishes his career as an idol, not only as a player but as a person" - Emiliano Martinez lavishes praise on Lionel Messi
Emiliano Martinez once heaped praise on Lionel Messi, raving about the Ballon d'Or winner's personality on and off the pitch. Martinez and Messi have been instrumental in Argentina's international success in the last few years.
Messi and Martinez share a close bond, and both have praised each other on multiple occasions. Speaking about Messi, Martinez told ESPN's Sofi Martinez (via @AlbicelesteTalk on X):
"Messi represents what an Argentine is. Family-oriented. He gives everything for his children and his wife. He loves football. He gives everything on the field. The example, the role model to follow is Messi.
"Being the most famous in the world, that he loves his family and takes care of his children as much as he does is a source of pride. He is the first and only player in history to complete the football. He finishes his career as an idol, not only as a player but as a person."
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have played the game. While the Argentine maestro won every possible trophy at club level and has now done so with his national side as well.
Emiliano Martinez, meanwhile, proved his worth by becoming one of the most clutch players and helping Lionel Messi win two Copa Americas (2021 and 2024) and the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2022 Finalissima.
