Copa America: Messi singles out one Argentina player after semi-final win

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has hailed Emiliano Martinez as a “phenomenon”, after he produced three saves in the penalty shoot-out against Colombia.

Albiceleste will face Brazil in the final, after winning 3-2 in the spot kicks against Colombia on Wednesday.

Martinez earned his first international cap last month following an impressive season with Aston Villa.

The 28-year-old has now made himself a hero for his country.

“We have Emi, who is a phenomenon,” said Messi, who converted from the spot in the shootout.

“We trusted him. We achieved the goal of being able to play all the games and now we are going to the final.”