Move over Messi – Argentina has a new hero

Emiliano Martinez needed only a month to establish himself as Argentina’s number one goalkeeper and on Tuesday he became a new national hero by saving three times in a shootout in their Copa America semi-final against Colombia.

With the score tied 1-1 after the regulation 90 minutes, the Aston Villa keeper’s exploits in the shootout moved Argentina into a mouthwatering Copa America final against hosts and reigning champions Brazil.

Lionel Messi, so often the key man for Argentina, paid tribute to Martinez.

“It was difficult at times,” he said. “But we have ‘Emi’ and he’s phenomenal. We trusted him. We’ve fulfilled our objective of coming here to play every game and now we’re going to the final.”

Martinez had little to do over the 90 minutes but was superb in the shootout.

“Brazil have a great team but we have the best in the world and we’re going there to win.”

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