Dibu Martínez's Wife Reveals Extent of His Injury Struggle Before World Cup Final

Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez played through a broken finger during the 2026 World Cup, his wife Mandinha revealed in a series of Instagram posts. The Argentine goalkeeper, who put his future with the national team in doubt after the final loss to Spain, faced a difficult choice between surgery and playing the tournament. Source: Clarin Source: Infobae

The Injury and Decision

According to Mandinha, Martínez fractured his ring finger during a Europa League final warm-up in late May. Doctors unanimously recommended surgery, which would have sidelined him for the World Cup. He chose to avoid the operation, trusting his body to heal. "Hubo incontables llamadas, médicos y especialistas recomendando cirugía, sabiendo que si te operabas, casi seguro significaba perderte el Mundial," she wrote. Source: Clarin During the group stage, he could not train with the squad, training alone instead. Source: Infobae

Family Sacrifice

Mandinha described how Martínez watched their children play in a pool in Portugal but could not join them for fear of worsening the injury. "Mirabas a nuestros bebés jugando en la pileta, queriendo más que nada meterte con ellos y disfrutar esos momentos tan especiales, pero no podías arriesgarte a empeorar la lesión." Source: Clarin The constant travel and hotel stays also took a toll on the family. Source: Infobae

Support for Argentina

Despite being Brazilian, Mandinha expressed deep affection for Argentina: "Puede que no haya nacido en Argentina... Pero mi marido e hijos son 🇦🇷. ... Lloré con ustedes. Celebré con ustedes. Sufrí con ustedes." She called the country "especial" for its passion and unconditional love.