Emiliano Martinez has been labelled a “phenomenon” by Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi for his three shootout saves to clinch a Copa America semi-final win over Colombia on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old earned his first international cap last month following a standout club season at Aston Villa and has now made himself a hero for the Albiceleste.
Colombia had forced the shootout with a 61st-minute goal from Luis Diaz that cancelled out an early strike from Lautaro Martinez. But Argentina’s goalkeeper ensured a place in the final against Brazil on Saturday.