Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has cast doubt over his international future after the team’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

He said he would use the aftermath of the loss to consider what comes next.

Writing on Instagram after Argentina returned to Buenos Aires on Monday, Martinez spoke of the disappointment of missing out on a second straight World Cup title and questioned whether it was time to step away from the national team.

“We dreamed of winning the World Cup again, of bringing the trophy back to Argentina and making history once more,” he wrote.

“It’s hard to put this pain into words. Now it’s time to think about many things, about how to move forward. And maybe it’s also time to ask whether my moment to step aside has come.”

Martinez made no attempt to point fingers after the defeat. Instead, he apologized to Argentina supporters, saying he had given everything he could for the team.

“I’m truly sorry,” he wrote. “I tried to give everything I had to help my country and my teammates.”

The 33-year-old was one of Argentina’s best players during the tournament. In the final, he produced 11 saves but could not keep out Ferran Torres, whose extra-time goal gave Spain a 1-0 victory.

Thousands of supporters welcomed the squad home in Buenos Aires despite cold and rainy weather, applauding the players after their run to a second consecutive World Cup final.

Martinez made his Argentina debut in a World Cup qualifier against Chile in June 2021 and quickly established himself as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. He played a central role in Argentina’s Copa América and World Cup triumphs and has become one of the senior figures in Lionel Messi’s squad.

Martinez stopped short of announcing his retirement, but his comments left open the possibility that the World Cup final could prove to be his last appearance for Argentina.