What began as a quiet holiday drive through the Argentine countryside suddenly turned into an unexpected rescue mission when the Aston Villa goalkeeper’s vehicle became hopelessly trapped, forcing nearby locals to rush to his aid. While the viral footage captures the tense effort to free the truck, those who were there say the most unforgettable moment came after the rescue was over. As fresh details emerge about Martinez’s emotional reaction and the extraordinary gesture he made to thank the strangers who helped him, fans are calling it another reminder of why he’s admired far beyond the football pitch

EMILIANO MARTINEZ had to be rescued after crashing his truck off a road.

The 2022 World Cup winner was helped by his Argentine neighbours after his stuck vehicle was found.

Martinez, 33, is currently taking a break from football following the defeat to Spain in the World Cup final earlier this month.

He is due to return to Aston Villa later this summer at the end of his holiday back in his homeland.

But the break took a turn for the worse as his truck got stuck on a rural road near Sierra de los Padres, Argentina.

A video shared on social media showed his pick-up wedged in dried mud.

Fortunately, Martinez was able to get the help of his neighbours, who approached to rescue him.

The Aston Villa goalkeeper showed his gratitude as he gifted some Argentina merchandise to them.

This included a shirt and a picture of him making a key save in the final against France in Qatar four years ago.

Martinez also signed the items, much to the delight of the fans.

He also made the touching gesture of gifting the Argentina jacket he was wearing to Leonardo Albarracín who has since appeared on local TV.

He said: “Before getting in the truck he thanked us in every possible way and told us that we had saved him.

“Just imagine hearing that from someone who has given us Argentines so many joys.

“When he was already leaving, he stopped, took off the official national team jacket he was wearing and gave it to me.

“I couldn’t hold back. I burst into tears. It was an unforgettable moment.”

A tow was then established between his pick-up truck and the neighbour’s vehicle.

With some expert driving, they were able to free Martinez and he could continue on his drive.

Martinez and Argentina were not able to repeat their World Cup success this year.

They did reach the final with wins over the likes of Cape Verde, Switzerland and England.

However, they were outclassed in New Jersey by Spain despite their resolute defence in the 1-0 defeat after extra time.

Martinez played in all eight games for Lionel Scaloni’s side but only kept two clean sheets.

This is one fewer than he managed at the Qatar tournament four years ago, when he won the Golden Glove.