Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media

Daniel Davis

Sat 28 March 2026 9:40, UK

Emi Martinez lambasted Argentina’s “poor” performance despite their 2-1 victory against Mauritania, with the Aston Villa goalkeeper lucky to avoid embarrassment on Friday night.

Martinez played the entire 90 minutes at La Bombonera but vented his frustration after the final whistle, despite goals from Enzo Fernandez and Nico Paz securing the win.

The stopper was helpless to prevent Jordan Lefort from halving the deficit in the 93rd minute for the minnows, who came into the match 115th in the world.

Argentina were scheduled to take on Spain, but the match was cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East, with the friendly against the African nation arranged instead.

Martinez will be crucial in Villa’s Champions League charge, but he may not return to Bodymoor Heath in the brightest of spirits after La Seleccion’s questionable display.

How did Emi Martinez play vs Mauritania?

The experienced 33-year-old was busier than he would have liked on Friday.

Indeed, he was forced into action to deny Ibrahima Keita, Oumar Ngom, Abdoubakary Koita and Souleymane Anne before being beaten by Lefort’s last-gasp effort.

While too many of his team-mates were guilty of coasting through the friendly, Martinez stepped up and deservedly earned a Sofascore rating of 7.2 at the final whistle.

Alongside his string of stops, he took 24 touches and completed 18 of his 19 attempted passes (95 per cent). Three of his four long balls found their designated targets, too.

Martinez also made seven recoveries and won one ground duel, capping off a good display.

But that did not stop him from hammering Argentina’s performance post-match.

In quotes carried by Fabrizio Romano, he said: “Maybe it’s good we didn’t play the Finalissima… if we were going to play like this. The performance has been poor.

“It was one of the worst games we’ve played, even for a friendly. We lacked heart.”

Martinez’s uncertain Aston Villa future

Martinez has been one of Villa’s outstanding performers since arriving from Arsenal for just £17million in 2020, and won the World Cup with Argentina during his time in the Midlands.

He has looked far from his best during periods this season, however, and his club are expected to assess his future in the summer, opening the door for a potential departure.

The veteran has been linked with Inter Milan, while other reports have tipped him to push for a return to his homeland, and he will want to ensure that he bows out on a high.

Luckily, Martinez has been crucial in Villa’s resurgence in recent weeks, with back-to-back victories against Lille and West Ham helping them get their campaign back on track.

However, he will need to leave his Argentina frustration firmly in the past if he is to help Unai Emery bring Champions League football back to Villa Park.