Dibu Martínez Denies What Could’ve Been the Goal of the Year
A rare mistake by Messi nearly ended in a world-class goal for Puerto Rico, but Dibu Martínez pulled off an unreal save to keep Argentina safe.
Messi’s Mistake That Almost Changed Everything
It was only the seventh minute when Lionel Messi lost the ball near Puerto Rico’s box. Without hesitation, Giovanni Calderón, wearing number 15 for La Isla del Encanto, unleashed a thunderous strike from more than 60 meters out that flew straight toward goal.
Everyone froze—except Dibu Martínez. The Aston Villa goalkeeper sprinted back across his line and launched himself in full stretch to stop what could have easily become the goal of the year.
A Save for the History Books
Fans couldn’t believe what they had just witnessed. What started as a harmless turnover turned into one of the most spectacular moments of the night. Martínez didn’t just save Argentina—he denied what might have been the most iconic goal ever for Puerto Rico.
It was another reminder of why Dibu is among the best goalkeepers in the world, with that same sharp instinct that made him a hero in Qatar 2022.
Argentina Took Care of Business
After that early scare, Argentina quickly settled in. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 14th minute, and the Albiceleste went on to add five more goals, sealing a dominant win in their second friendly of the October FIFA break.
Would the story have been different if Calderón’s shot had gone in? Probably not. But it would’ve been a moment to remember forever for Puerto Rican football.
