Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has named Aston Villa shot-stopper, Emiliano Martinez, as ‘one of the best goalkeepers in the world’.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward also described Martinez as ‘fundamental’, adding that he has established himself in the game.
Messi said this following Martinez’s impressive display for Argentina in their 3-0 win over Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier in the earlier hours of Monday.
Martinez made two stunning saves to keep out Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez in the first half before goals from Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina the win over Uruguay.
“Dibu [Emiliano] Martinez is fundamental,” said Messi, via TNT Sports.
“When they come to him, he always responds.
“He established himself in goal and we have one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”
Martinez, 29, was a heroic figure for Argentina in their run to the 2021 Copa America glory in the summer.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper saved three penalties in the penalty shootout win over Colombia in the semi-finals.
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He’s fundamental – Messi hails Argentina goalkeeper