Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez has disclosed the key to his continued involvement with the Argentina national team and expressed a personal dream to play in his hometown. The goalkeeper, who kept a clean sheet in the 7-0 thrashing of Burkina Faso last Friday, is two shutouts away from surpassing Sergio Romero's all-time record for La Albiceleste.

Argentina tops the World Cup qualifying standings with 9 points from three wins, scoring 8 goals and conceding just one. This Tuesday, at the Monumental stadium, the team will face Benin in a special match marking Lionel Messi's farewell. Martínez, unbeaten in the latest victory, explained his mental process after the World Cup final defeat. "There were doubts a few months ago, after that lost final," the keeper admitted. "But I changed clubs to renew myself mentally and now I feel useful, fast, and good to represent my country and my family".

Two from the record

With 45 clean sheets in his 69 caps, the target of beating Romero's mark of 47 is within reach. His performance in the current qualifying phase, where Argentina has not conceded in the last two matches, edges him closer. The team leads the group by five points over Austria, a defensive solidity where Martínez is a key piece.

A personal dream

Beyond records, the 34-year-old goalkeeper made an unexpected confession about his future. "Me gustaría ir a jugar a Mar del Plata," Dibu Martínez said. He mentioned the José María Minella stadium as a possible venue for a FIFA match, expressing his emotional connection to the city where he grew up. This desire comes at a time of personal and professional fulfillment, where he feels supported by figures like Messi, Nicolás Otamendi, and Ángel Di María. "I don't want to be the only reference point," he clarified. "There are many young players and an incredible group".

Messi's farewell

The immediate focus is on Tuesday's match against Benin, a fixture laden with symbolism. Martínez wants the day to be memorable for the captain. "Trataremos que lo disfrute lo máximo posible. Llenarlo de mimos, de besos y que sea feliz," he promised. After the match, the keeper plans to host an asado at the training facility to celebrate the legend's return. La Albiceleste enters this fixture on a two-game winning streak, including the 4-0 win over Bolivia last week where Lautaro Martínez, Nicolás Paz, Cristian Romero and Joaquín López were the scorers. To see all the squad details, visit our squad page.

With his mind on the record and his heart in Mar del Plata, Dibu Martínez approaches Tuesday's match motivated to make history and bid farewell to a friend.

The original report is at TyC Sports