Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez delivered one of the most iconic performances in soccer history during the , where he was instrumental in Argentina's first title victory in 36 years. He was awarded the Golden Glove as the tournament's best goalkeeper, a feat he has since mirrored in both the 2021 and 2024 Copa América. The "Save of the Century"
Martínez cemented his status as a "clutch" specialist through two critical shootouts during the tournament:
: He saved the first two penalties from Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis to help Argentina advance.
In the 123rd minute of the World Cup Final against France, with the score tied at 3–3, Martínez made a legendary reflex save against . By spreading his body wide and blocking the close-range shot with his leg, he prevented a certain French victory and forced the match into a penalty shootout. Many analysts now consider this the most consequential save in football history . Penalty Shootout Heroics