Argentina are seeking to win their first major international title since lifting the Copa América in 1993 and once again Lionel Messi was great, notching up his fifth assist of the tournament to add to his four goals.

Lautaro Martinez scored the goal, and the defence did just enough to survive. But only one player is the hero of this semi-final tie for Argentina: Emiliano Martinez.

Emiliano Martínez was the hero for Argentina as he saved three times in a shootout to take his team into a Copa América final match-up with Brazil after Tuesday’s semi-final against Colombia finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Martínez, who tried to distract Colombia’s players in the shootout with a barrage of trash talk, saved from Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona.

Lionel Messi, Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martínez scored for Argentina as they booked a spot against the host nation in Saturday’s final at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã stadium.

All in all, this game will be known as the day Emiliano Martinez stepped out of his shadow, into the limelight, and announced himself to the world for Argentina.

The man who spent many years at Arsenal as a hidden figure, being sent out on loan six times in ten years, had to become a hero. It was his moment, in just his sixth cap for his country, and to say he delivered is an understatement.

He not only saved three penalties, which is impressive enough, but he provided a clear example of how to dominate a shootout. He showed that penalties aren’t just dumb luck, as many like to say, and that preparation more often than not leads to success.