Emiliano Martinez Says Finger Injury Left Him Playing Like a 'Zombie' at World Cup: 'I Cried Every Day'

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has revealed the lasting toll of a finger injury he played through during the 2022 World Cup, telling journalist Gaston Edul's YouTube channel that the finger 'won't ever return' to normal. The 34-year-old Aston Villa star said he cried daily after seeing x-rays, fearing he would be ruled out of Argentina's title defence in Qatar. Martinez described feeling like a 'zombie' while competing, yet he still helped his nation lift the trophy. The admission underscores the physical sacrifices elite athletes make behind the scenes, even amid historic victories. For fans, it adds a layer of grit to Argentina's World Cup triumph and raises questions about how the injury may affect Martinez's club form going forward. His story is a reminder that glory often comes with a hidden cost.