Emi Martinez has won another trophy with Argentina, as the Aston Villa goalkeeper lifted the Copa America after beating Colombia.
It was a contrasting night for Aston Villa’s stars on international duty as Euro 2024 and Copa America reached their close.
Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa picked up silver medals at the Euros after a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final as England stumbled late in Berlin.
As for Emi Martinez, the goalkeeper retained the Copa America with Argentina in the early hours of Monday morning, extending his list of silverware with his national team.
How Argentine media reacted to Emi Martinez performance against Colombia in Copa America final
Just like the 2021 Copa America, Argentina were crowned champions and Martinez was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
The World Champions left it late to beat Colombia, as Lautaro Martinez struck in the 112th minute to see the score settled at 1-0 after extra time.
After the victory, Argentine media reacted to the Aston Villa hero’s display as he played another crucial role in a major tournament final.
Outlet TyC Sports handed Martinez an 8/10 match rating, dubbing him the ‘best goalkeeper in the world’, adding that he ‘simplifies play before they become dangerous’.
Bolavip were similar in their praise for the shot-stopper, lauding his display as ‘simply phenomenal’ as he pulled off four saves during the fixture, via Sofascore.
The Villa ‘keeper was applauded for his ‘usual confidence and composure’ by La Pagina Millonaria, with laseleccionargentina.com also noticing the guarantees that the 31-year-old brings.
The website said that Martinez always ‘appeared’ when moments that threatened Argentina’s goal arose, keeping another clean sheet at the tournament.
Aston Villa will be eager to have Martinez back after Copa America win
Villa are aware of what representing Argentina means to Martinez, who made his wishes to go to the Olympics clear this summer.
While the goalkeeper will be celebrating his nation’s latest achievement, his dream to win gold at the upcoming Olympic games will not come true this year.
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Villa blocked Martinez from participating in the Olympics after the Copa America, in what would have caused a disruption in the club’s pre-season plans for their ‘keeper.
Unai Emery’s side will look forward to having the experience and quality of the 31-year-old back at Bodymoor Heath ahead of next term, as Villa’s pre-season schedule kicks off on Wednesday.
The Villans will play Walsall on Wednesday evening, a game that will give fans an insight into Emery’s plans for the next campaign.
For now, everyone at Villa will be wishing Martinez well after winning consecutive Copa America’s with Argentina.
