According to reports, former Barcelona icon Lionel Messi is urging the club to bring in his Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez as a successor to current goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen. The World Cup-winning goalkeeper is presently plying his trade with Premier League club Aston Villa.
The Spanish giants are currently struggling in the goalkeeping department after their first-choice keeper, Marc Andre ter Stegen sustained a serious knee injury during the team's La Liga match against Villarreal on September 22. The German goalkeeper is unlikely to make a comeback this season.
As a result, Barcelona brought in experienced Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, who returned from retirement to sign a one-year deal with the club. However, the team is now seeking a more long-term solution for the goalkeeper position, someone who can challenge Ter Stegen and potentially replace him in the future.
Lionel Messi is enthusiastic about his old club acquiring 'Dibu' Martinez to protect the goal. As per a report byEl Nacional, sporting director Deco is supportive of Messi’s recommendation, viewing Martinez’s potential signing as a significant advantage for the team.
Acquiring Dibu Martinez presents an excellent opportunity for any team, as he has established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in recent years. He played a crucial role in Argentina's triumph at the 2022 World Cup and their victories in the 2021 and 2024 Copa Americas. Additionally, he was vital in helping Aston Villa qualify for the UEFA Champions League this season for the first time since 1983.
Conversely, Lionel Messi and Ter Stegen were teammates at Barcelona for seven seasons, from 2014 to 2021. Messi ultimately departed from the club in 2021 to sign with PSG before transferring to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023.