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Lionel Messi singles out a teammate for praise following Argentina's triumph over Ecuador.
Messi has once again tagged his international teammate Emiliano Martinez as the best goalkeeper in the world after Aston Villa's shot-stopper was the hero in yet another.
What Messi said
As we have come to be used to, Messi stepped up to play the first penalty in the Copa America quarter-final shootout match against Ecuador.
![[WATCH]: Lionel Messi's penalty miss just days after rival Cristiano Ronaldo](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/05072024/b1a5cb9b-809d-4cc7-8a4a-df102fab2733.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
06:29 - 05.07.2024
[WATCH]: Lionel Messi's penalty miss just days after rival Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi joined Cristiano Ronaldo to miss a penalty in a crucial match but would be happy it has been overshadowed by Martinez's heroics for Argentina.
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05:14 - 05.07.2024
Martinez is that dude — King of penalty shootout comes up clutch again to inspire Argentina to Copa America semis
Emiliano Martínez has been described as the best and greatest after he once again came up clutch to inspire Argentina to the Copa America semifinals.
The ex-Barcelona man went for the spectacular as he attempted the panenka, however, he overcooked the lob and although the goalkeeper dived, the ball crashed against the horizontal portion of the crossbar.
Martinez went on to make two saves to seal his team's qualification, sparing Messi's blushes. A grateful Messi took to thank Martinez, hailing him as the best player in his position.
"One more step... We suffered a lot against a tough opponent. We passed to the semis thanks to the work of everyone and on top of that, we have the best goalkeeper in the world, @emi_martinez26. Go Argentina!"
Meanwhile, Martinez has only conceded from 50% of the penalties he faced for Argentina, saving nine, with the opponents sending three off-target.
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[WATCH]: Lionel Messi's penalty miss just days after rival Cristiano Ronaldo
Lionel Messi joined Cristiano Ronaldo to miss a penalty in a crucial match but would be happy it has been overshadowed by Martinez's heroics for Argentina.
05:14 - 05.07.2024
Martinez is that dude — King of penalty shootout comes up clutch again to inspire Argentina to Copa America semis
Emiliano Martínez has been described as the best and greatest after he once again came up clutch to inspire Argentina to the Copa America semifinals.
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