'We have the best goalkeeper in the world!' - Lionel Messi lavishes praise on Emiliano Martinez after Aston Villa star spared his blushes during Argentina's penalty shootout victory over Ecuador

Martinez saved two penalties as Argentina overcame Ecuador to reach the semi-finals of the Copa America. After Messi's chipped effort struck the crossbar, Martinez denied Angel Mena and Alan Minda to give La Albiceleste an early advantage, and Nicolas Otamendi tucked home the winning penalty to send them through.

Messi steals the headlines for his country but Martinez has proved his worth on more than one occasion, most notably in the 2022 World Cup final. Messi's declaration shows how much Argentina's captain values having a world-class goalkeeper between the sticks as the pair go in search of another international trophy.

Messi wrote on Instagram: "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!"

Argentina will take on either Canada or Venezuela in the semi-finals. They have already won the Copa America 15 times in their history, including in 2021, and few would bet against Lionel Scaloni's current crop making it 16.