Aston Villa number one Emi Martinez is set to play his third major international final in a row after he helped Argentina to a 2-0 win over Canada in the Copa America semi-final.
Unai Emery has been welcoming the majority of his Aston Villa players back for pre-season this week as the club prepare for a season in which they will be playing in the Champions League.
However, the Villa boss has not yet got his full squad back at Bodymoor Heath, with those on international duty this summer set to return later in July.
That includes Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, as well as new signing Ian Maatsen who is in the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024 but yet to feature.
Whilst those three players will face off in the Euros semi-final on Wednesday night, Emi Martinez already knows he will be playing in the Copa America final after the win over Canada.
The Argentine stopper kept a clean sheet as he was again impressive despite not being overly worked and a long-term Villa transfer target has responded to his performance.
Marcos Acuna comments on Emi Martinez display v Canada in Copa America
Goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi saw Argentina 2-0 victors against Canada; the Canadians playing in Copa America for the first time this summer.
The two goals were the Albiceleste’s only two shots on target all game, with Canada mustering three of their own.
Therefore, it was important that Martinez kept his concentration and his performance drew praise from national media despite not being one of his busier nights.
- READ MORE: How Argentine media rated Aston Villa star Emi Martinez as Argentina reach Copa America final
It also impressed a teammate, with long-term Aston Villa transfer target Marcos Acuna quick to react to Martinez’ Instagram post following the win.
Martinez posted a series of pictures from the game with the caption: ‘Sunday no matter what it takes. Proud is an understatement of this national team’.
To which Acuna responded with a flame and heart eyes emoji following the Villa man’s clean sheet.
Acuna has long been admired by both Emery and Monchi, but the signing of Maatsen may well see the end of their pursuit of the Sevilla left-back.
Martinez could help Argentina break Copa America record
In shutting out Canada, Martinez kept his fourth clean sheet in five games at the tournament held in the United States.
The 31-year-old Villa man has already cemented himself in Argentina football folklore with his supreme confidence, penalty heroics and World Cup final win.
- READ MORE: Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez an ‘alien’ for what he did for Argentina v Ecuador at Copa America
He could now add to his legacy, with the final against either Uruguay or Colombia not only giving Argentina the chance to win three major tournaments in a row but also be the outright record holders for Copa America wins.
Currently, that honour is shared with Uruguay with both nations on 15, but Martinez will be confident he can help his country to more history.
