Argentina’s Lionel Messi labels Emiliano Martinez as a ‘PHENOMENON’ after heroics in Copa America
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Captain Lionel Messi has described goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez as a ‘phenomenon’ after his shoot-out heroics guided Argentina to the Copa America final.
After the semi-final against Colombia on Tuesday night finished 1-1 after extra-time, Aston Villa shot-stopper Martinez saved three penalties as the Argentinians progressed via a 3-2 win in the shoot-out.
And Messi, who scored his penalty in the shoot-out and is vying for his first Copa America triumph, lauded Martinez in the aftermath as all focus turns towards Sunday’s final against Brazil.
Lionel Messi called Emiliano Martinez a ‘phenomenon’ after his heroics last night for Argentina
The keeper saved three spot kicks in the 3-2 shootout win, with one from Davinson Sanchez
‘We have Emi, who is a phenomenon,’ Messi said.
‘We trusted him. We achieved the goal of being able to play all the games and now we are going to the final.’
Martinez only made his national team debut last month after impressing in the Premier League with Villa, but has been trusted with the No 1 spot since the opening match.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni praised Martinez’s shoot-out performance too, as well as the command he has over the Argentina defence.
Argentina now progress to Sunday’s final against fierce rivals Brazil in Rio de Janeiro
‘We are very happy with Emiliano’s performance, not only because of the penalties, but also because of the security that he is transmitting,’ he said.
‘The group of defenders is permanently supported and we like that.’
Now all eyes turn towards the final on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro at the Maracana, where Argentina will face fierce rivals Brazil – Messi has three times been a runner-up in the competition but has never won South American football’s most illustrious prize.
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