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Argentina's Emiliano Martínez came up clutch again, saving Lionel Messi from criticism after he missed a penalty, in a 1-1 draw with Ecuador that ended in a shootout victory.
Emiliano Martinez came to Lionel Messi's rescue once again, as the Argentina goalkeeper's heroics in the penalty shootout ensured the World Champions avoided a shock Copa America quarter-final exit against Ecuador.
Barcelona legend Messi saw his spot-kick saved, but Martinez produced two stunning saves to help fire Argentina through 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in a dramatic clash in the early hours of Friday morning.
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12:35 - 04.07.2024
Argentina sweat over Lionel Messi’s fitness ahead of crunch Copa America tie against Ecuador
Lionel Messi’s availability for Argentina’s Copa America quarter-final against Ecuador is giving his coach a major headache.
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Martinez Show saves Messi and Argentina
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez had put the favourites on course for the semi-finals with his first international goal in the first half.
But a dramatic late Ecuador equaliser from Kevin Rodriguez sent the match to a shootout.
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With the scores level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, up stepped Messi - only for the forward to falter from the spot, continuing the penalty woes that have also followed his rival Cristiano Ronaldo at the EURO 2024.
However, Aston Villa's Martinez stepped up to the plate once more, denying Angel Mena's effort after Messi's miss to secure the victory in the shootout and spare the Barcelona legend's blushes.
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Hailed as 'the most clutch goalkeeper in the world', Martinez has now produced heroics for Argentina at the last three major tournaments - the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup and now the 2024 Copa America.
'Emiliano Martinez is one of the most diabolically brilliant goalkeepers in the history of football,' gushed a football fan, while another raved: 'EMILIANO MARTÍNEZ! THE BEST GOALKEEPER IN THE WORLD!'
Martinez's ability to get into the opposition's heads from the penalty spot has made him a nuisance to play against, with one supporter saying:
'He will get into your head, he will catch your penalty and he will laugh at you.'
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Messi and co will be mightily relieved to have their shot-stopping saviour between the sticks, with Argentina now marching on to the semi-finals as they bid to defend their Copa America crown.
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