"I owed it to Leo Messi" – Emiliano Martinez on his penalty shootout heroics for Argentina in Copa America quarter-final clash
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has dedicated his two saves in his team's penalty shootout against Ecuador in their Copa America 2024 last-eight contest to Lionel Messi.
Earlier this Thursday (July 4), La Albiceleste opened the scoring through Lisandro Martinez in the 35th minute before Ecuador forward Kevin Rodriguez's injury-time equalizer. But, they managed to win 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the contest.
Messi, who missed Argentina's last game due to a groin issue, missed his national team's first spot-kick in the shootout as he hit the crossbar with his shot. However, Martinez saved two back-to-back penalties from Angel Mena and Alan Minda later on at NRG Stadium.
Speaking after the end of Argentina's Copa America quarter-final contest, Martinez opened up on his heroics between the sticks. He said (h/t X/@AlbicelesteTalk):
"I owed it to Leo Messi, I owed it to him. He saved us in the [2022 FIFA] World Cup, he won it, he was the best of all in the World Cup, and when things don't go his way... he was coming off a very strong injury in his adductor, and I felt like I had to help him when he missed the penalty."
Martinez, who has made 43 appearances for his national team, added:
"I didn't put pressure on myself; I just said, 'I'm going to help him, and that's what he deserves'. I spent so many years working for this, and that we're playing another semi-final is thanks to him."
Argentina boss remarks on side's mentality following Lionel Messi's latest penalty miss
At a post-game press conference, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was asked to offer his thoughts on Lionel Messi's penalty miss and his side's Copa America win. He replied (h/t Mundo Albiceleste):
"I need to watch the match carefully [again], there are always things to improve. I will analyze it better later. This time I didn't enjoy anything. We are happy, of course, but this time I didn't have a good time. In penalty kicks, the team has blind confidence in their goalkeeper and for us, that is fundamental. Even with Leo missing, the team knew that something positive was going to happen."
Messi, 37, is yet to score a goal in three games at the Copa America.
Argentina, meanwhile, will either face Venezuela or Canada in their Copa America 2024 semi-final tie in New Jersey on Tuesday (July 9).