This is what Mascherano told Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero before penalties

Following a long yet goalless 120-minute of play, the semi-final tie between Argentina and Netherlands was forced into a penalty shoot-out. Ultimately, it was Argentina goalkeeper who emerged as the national hero after the 27-year-old denied two penalty kicks, one from Ron Vlaar, the other from Wesley Sneijder while his Argentine team-mates converted all the other free kicks, claiming a 4-2 victory at the end. 

However, it was Argentina defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano who proved to be the real leader, who inspired the team to the victory despite his Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi wearing the actual arm-band.

Before the start of the penalties, he told Romero, “Today you will become a hero!” 

At the end of the day, he did become one.  

It was also Mascherano’s tackle on Arjen Robben that saved the Argentines from conceeding a goal