Photographer keeps $6,000 lens signed by 'Dibu' Martínez as a relic

A viral moment during an international friendly between Argentina and Honduras has turned a Mexican photographer into an unexpected protagonist. David Saldívar, who traveled nearly three hours back to Dallas after the match, found himself at the center of a story that has captivated football fans worldwide.

Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez, Argentina's star goalkeeper, approached Saldívar and borrowed his camera during the match. For several minutes, Martínez used the professional equipment to take photos himself before returning it. As a lasting memento, Martínez signed the lens of Saldívar's camera, a piece valued at $6,000.

Saldívar, 41, discovered photography almost by accident three years ago while covering football matches. He moved to Dallas from Mexico and found a new passion after winning a camera in a company raffle. His daughter's soccer games initially inspired him to capture memories, leading him to invest in better equipment and eventually cover professional games.

“

What are you going to do with that piece?

"What are you going to do with that piece?" Saldívar was asked about the signed lens. He responded, "The truth is I hadn't thought about it until my colleagues from Dallas started writing to me. Many tell me to lend it to them to use for a day or just to take a picture with the lens that Dibu signed. But I wouldn't want to use it again. It has a very important value for me. I don't want the signature to wear off or get erased. I would like to keep it, although the World Cup is coming and I don't have another similar one to work with right now. I'm going to try to get one and keep this one as a souvenir."

Despite the sentimental value and the need for equipment for upcoming events like the World Cup, Saldívar cherishes the unique interaction with the renowned goalkeeper. The incident has brought Saldívar, who built his career through courses and tutorials without formal studies, unexpected international recognition.

“

The truth is I hadn't thought about it until my colleagues from Dallas started writing to me. Many tell me to lend it to them to use for a day or just to take a picture with the lens that Dibu signed. But I wouldn't want to use it again. It has a very important value for me. I don't want the signature to wear off or get erased. I would like to keep it, although the World Cup is coming and I don't have another similar one to work with right now. I'm going to try to get one and keep this one as a souvenir.