Argentina will face their final international fixture of the year without their regular goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to rest Martínez and give an opportunity to a new goalkeeper.
The match is scheduled for 14 November against Angola and will mark Argentina’s last game of 2025. Scaloni has not yet announced the squad for this fixture but is expected to confirm the team shortly.
According to reports from the popular Argentine football website TyC Sports, Martínez will be left out of the squad. Scaloni has already discussed this decision with the goalkeeper.
Martínez, when fit and available, is normally Argentina’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. However, with him absent, Scaloni intends to provide opportunities for backup goalkeepers. He believes such matches are ideal for giving younger players valuable experience in preparation for future tournaments.
With the regular goalkeeper unavailable, Walter Benítez is expected to take charge of Argentina’s goal. The 32-year-old recently joined English club Crystal Palace after leaving PSV.
In addition to Benítez, Gerónimo Rulli will be part of the squad. However, it is unclear whether Facundo Cambeses, who made his debut against Puerto Rico during Argentina’s U.S. tour, will be included for the Angola fixture.
Potential Goalkeepers for the Angola Match:
| Goalkeeper | Age | Club | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walter Benítez | 32 | Crystal Palace | Likely to start in Martínez’s absence |
| Gerónimo Rulli | – | – | Included in squad |
| Facundo Cambeses | 20 | – | Recent debutant, inclusion uncertain |
Scaloni’s decision to rest Martínez reflects a broader strategy of preparing new talent for future challenges. By rotating goalkeepers in low-stakes fixtures, the coach aims to build depth in the squad while providing experience to emerging players. This approach ensures that Argentina will have capable options for critical matches in upcoming tournaments.
In related news, young players like Cambeses are being encouraged to gain match practice and confidence, allowing them to gradually establish themselves in international football. Such steps demonstrate Argentina’s commitment to long-term squad development beyond the reliance on established stars.