Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez insists Argentina can win the World Cup this year.

The 29-year-old has been impeccable for Villa following his move from Arsenal in 2020. Keeping 15 clean sheets in his debut season at Villa Park, the shot-stopper established him as Argentina number one shortly before last summer's Copa America.

Martinez played a pivotal role as his country became champions of South America for the first time since 1993. In the semi-final against Colombia, the Villa keeper made three saves during a penalty shootout, before Argentina overcame Brazil in the final.

"A year ago we were nothing and today we are (World Cup) candidates because we won titles," Martinez said. “We will always be candidates because we have the best in the world (in Lionel Messi). We are all lions who fight for him!"