Lionel Messi has been given a chance to lift an international trophy by Emiliano Martinez as Argentine beat Colombia in a penalty shootout to book a place in the Copa America finals with Brazil. Emiliano Martinez saved three penalties to help his side Aregentina secure the final against Brazil.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper with Aston Villa denied Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona penalties after a 90minute 1-1. Barcelona forward Lionel Messi set up Lautaro Martinez to put Argentina ahead before Luis Diaz levelled the second half of the game.
The final will be played on Saturday and is going to against defending champions Brazil. Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Leandro Paredes all scored their penalties in the shootout. Still, Emiliano Martinez was the hero as he produced a hat-trick of diving saves after being rarely troubled during the game.
The 28-year-old, who moved to English football with Arsenal speaking after the game, said he is speechless. He said: “They took us to penalties, and that’s a question of luck, today it was my turn for glory,” he said. “I’m speechless.”
Six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, looking to win his first senior trophy with Argentina, praised the goalkeeper for his brilliance and the entire team. He said the group “fulfilled our objective” of reaching the final. “It was difficult at times,” Messi said. “But we have ‘Emi’, and he’s phenomenal. We trusted him.”