Emi Martinez sacrificed the birth of his daughter to become champion

There are some things that simply can't be explained. Otherwise, simply tell that to Emiliano Martinez. The goalkepper didn't arrive with a place in the starting eleven secured, however bit by bit his efforts and hard work earned him the confidence of manager Scaloni.

'Dibu', as he is called by his teammates, had an impressive Copa America campaign and led Argentina to conquering the title. The keeper was decisive in many moments in the tournament, especially in the penalty shoot-out against Colombia. His words to the takers and his saves to their eventual spot kicks will remain in history forever, as will Messi's jubilant reactions.

But all of that has a price. Emi Martinez had to sacrifice the birth of his daughter, as we was unable to be part of labour because he was part of the Argentina national team bubble as part of Covid protocols. 

"I told my wife that this was my dream and she put up with it. I still haven't been able to meet my daughter", Martinez said after the match. The goalkeeper explained that he told her a few months back that they wanted to give the title to the best player in the world: "I want to enjoy it with my family and hold my daughter."