The Argentina goalkeeper admitted the defeat continued to affect him long after the 2022 final, helping convince him that a new club could provide the change he needed.
Martinez left Villa at the end of the summer transfer window after the club had already signed Zion Suzuki from Parma as their new No.1.
Juventus had renewed their interest in Martinez during the final weeks of the window, but ultimately chose former Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario instead.
Chelsea then moved for Martinez as Robert Sanchez’s performances created uncertainty in their goalkeeping position, with the deal eventually completed for £7.5 million.
Martinez believes the move has already given him the reset he wanted.
“It took a lot out of me after losing a World Cup final; the pain stayed with me for a long time. I needed a fresh start at my club to get over the heartache I felt after that final,” he told ESPN Argentina.
“I come here [international duty] and honestly feel great, happy, full of energy, and that’s what matters most.”
Martinez’s time at Villa had transformed his career. Signed from Arsenal, he became one of the world’s leading goalkeepers and played a major role in Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup.
His relationship with Lionel Messi has also remained an important part of his international career, with Argentina preparing for Messi’s final appearance for the national team against Benin.
Martinez described helping Messi achieve his greatest ambition as one of the biggest honours of his career.
“Obviously, I tried to help as much as possible, and he knows that. We always talk about it, and it was one of the greatest honours of my career to help him achieve what he desired most, because he is the greatest player in history.”
Messi’s departure from international football will leave a significant gap for Argentina, but Martinez believes the squad contains enough personality to move forward.
“He leaves a massive void, but there are lads here who have real personalities.”
The goalkeeper is now focused on enjoying the final moments of Messi’s international career while adapting to his new surroundings at Chelsea.
“I feel part of it, and on Tuesday I want to enjoy it and see him smile. We will try to cherish him in the little time we have left together.”
For Martinez, the move to Chelsea therefore represents more than a change of club. It is also an attempt to put a painful chapter behind him while beginning another stage of his career at the top level.