This goalkeeper did much less talking than his cumbersome compatriot Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez… Franco Armani, Argentina's third goalkeeper, did not play a single minute with the Albiceleste in his conquest of the supreme title.
But the 36-year-old River Plate veteran also had his part to play, notably in the penalty shootout that punctuated one of the greatest finals in history and crowned the South Americans for the third time.
FRANCO ARMANI, GERONIMO RULLI Y EMILIANO MARTINEZ pic.twitter.com/0tPMY4e3nQ
— Hot Argentina Players (@GBarros73) December 1, 2022
Armani spoke to Argentinian media TyC Sport about the importance of behind-the-scenes work in anticipating shots from French players.
“Following what we had analyzed, the guys started shooting and with Gerónimo Rulli
(Editor’s note: the second goalkeeper)
we helped Dibu, always taking things seriously, he explained.
It could be on details but as soon as we saw something, we told Dibu, who naturally took the advice.
We formed a very good working group because we had a lot of confidence.
Everyone was able to express themselves and share their knowledge.
Everything was studied, obviously it happened as we had planned.
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Messi 'deserved it more than anyone'
It was not he, on the other hand, who advised his whimsical teammate all his attempts to destabilize him verbally or through his body language.
"It's something that comes naturally to him when he's on the pitch," he said.
He didn't share anything with us.
I like him very much, he is an excellent boy.
The public liked him very much.
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Armani also returned to the behavior of his captain Lionel Messi and the extraordinary influence he exerted on the Scaloni group.
“Messi is an absolute leader inside and outside the dressing room.
I remember motivating words
(Editor's note: during the pre-final talk
), that we should take advantage of this opportunity that does not come along every day, he continued.
I also remember him talking about family memories, very encouraging and rewarding words that make you want to go out there and devour the opponent.
The truth is, he deserved it more than anyone.
It was the only thing he needed to end his career.
He gave his all in every game.
You saw him and you wanted to hug him and congratulate him on his dedication.
He is a very humble person and open to everything.
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