Alejandro Garnacho and Jurrien Timber react on social media as Manchester United man stars in Copa America clash
Lisandro Martinez received words of appreciation from Manchester United teammate Alejandro Garnacho and former Ajax teammate Jurrien Timber following Argentina's quarterfinal win over Ecuador in the 2024 Copa America. Martinez was among the best-performing players for his side as they booked a semifinal berth in the continental tournament on Thursday (July 4).
The central defender opened the scoring for La Albiceleste in the 35th minute. Argentine led for the majority of the game before Ecuador hit back in injury time through Kevin Rodriguez. Both sides couldn't score in extra time, forcing the game into a penalty shootout.
The defending Copa America champions prevailed 4-2 in the shootout, following which Martinez put up an Instagram post that read:
"On to the semis dammit! Huge work from everyone to take one more step. Very happy for my first goal with the national team. Now, to follow for more!!" (Translated from Instagram)
Here's the post:
The defender's Manchester United teammate, Garnacho commented on the post, writing:
"El mejor del mundo (the best in the world)."
Jurrien Timber, meanwhile, replied with two clapping emojis to applaud Martinez's outing against Ecuador.
Martinez has played 35 matches with his compatriot Garnacho, all of which have come for Manchester United. With Timber, on the other hand, the 26-year-old defender played 58 matches, all at Ajax.
Lionel Messi thanks Emi Martinez as the goalkeeper and Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez's heroics save Argentina
Lionel Messi thanked goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after their Copa America quarterfinal win over Ecuador. Notably, Messi missed his spot-kick to start the shootout after the game had finished 1-1.
However, Martinez saved Ecuador's first two penalties to make sure Argentina didn't crumble under pressure. La Albiceleste eventually won the shootout 4-2 to qualify for the semifinals.
Talking to the press after the game, Messi said about his goalkeeper (via AlbicelesteTalk):
"Before the match, he was joking about the possibility of penalties and said he was going to save them. When we reach this stage, we have an advantage."
Martinez was Argetina's hero in the 2022 World Cup final against France as well. He had saved two penalties to see his side come out on top in the shootout with a 4-2 scoreline.