Argentina Goalie Emiliano Martinez Sets World Cup Final Saves Record vs. Spain Amid Finger Injury

Argentina managed to force extra time against Spain in Sunday's World Cup Final after a historic performance from Emiliano Martínez in goal.

Martínez recorded nine saves during regulation, setting a new World Cup Final record for saves in a match.

He finished the match with 11 saves, but Spain was ultimately able to get a goal in extra time for the 1-0 win.

What's more impressive about the performance is the fact that Martínez played Sunday's final with an injury. He admitted earlier this week that he has been dealing with pain in his right hand from a fractured ring finger after avoiding recommended surgery before the World Cup.

"No, it still hurts every day. I knew it was going to hurt a lot. I avoided surgery," Martínez said on Friday. "All the specialists I consulted told me I had to have surgery or I wouldn't be able to play."

Had it not been for Martínez's effort, Sunday's final likely wouldn't have been all that close. Argentina couldn't get anything going during regulation and stoppage time and finished the first 90 minutes with no shots on goal.

Spain could have won in regulation with just one goal, but Martínez kept his team alive on the biggest stage. While Argentina ultimately lost, Martínez had quite the performance.