Alejandro Garnacho sent the perfect message to Manchester United teammate Lisandro Martinez after Argentina’s penalty shootout win against Ecuador at the 2024 Copa America.
Argentina punched their ticket to the semi-finals of the tournament in the United States after overcoming a late comeback against Ecuador on Friday.
Lisandro Martinez stepped up and fired Argentina into the lead in the first half with a close-range header at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Argentina appeared on the verge of beating Ecuador in regular playing time before Kevin Rodriguez pulled back an all-important equaliser in injury time.
The 2021 Copa America champions played the full 30 minutes of extra time against Ecuador before settling their quarter-final match on penalties.
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi stepped up first for Argentina and suffered a rare miss after his effort bounced off the woodwork.
However, Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolas Otamendi all found the back of the net from the spot-kick for Argentina.
Emi Martinez’s heroics ensured Argentina’s place in the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa America after he denied Angel Mena and Alan Minda from the spot-kick.
Martinez plays starring role at Copa America
Lisandro Martinez has largely impressed during the 2024 Copa America and has secured regular playing time under Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni.
The 26-year-old Argentine centre-back was in top form for La Albiceleste with his performance in the Group A opener against Canada.
Martinez followed up his performance against Canada with another superb display in the 1-0 win against Chile at this summer’s Copa America.
The Manchester United defender was an unused substitute in Argentina’s final Group A match against Peru after his country secured qualification to the quarter-finals.
Martinez, whose season at Old Trafford was curtailed due to injuries, has been at the heart of the Argentina defence alongside Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.
The 2022 World Cup winner played 78 minutes for Argentina against Ecuador before Lionel Scaloni subbed him off for Tottenham star Giovani Lo Celso.
Martinez, who has been capped 21 times for his country, found the back of the net for the first time in his Argentina career in the last-eight tie at the Copa America.
Martinez sends message and Garnacho responds
Martinez took to social media and sent out a rallying call to Argentina fans after the 2022 World Cup champions reached the semi-finals of the Copa America.
“On to the semis dammit! Huge work from everyone to take one more step,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Very happy for my first goal with the national team Now, to follow for more!! [sic]”
Alejandro Garnacho, who has only made one appearance for Argentina at the Copa America so far, was spotted reacting to his United teammate’s Instagram post.
The 20-year-old Spain-born winger left the comment “El mejor del mundo” alongside a world emoji, with his message translating to English as “The best in the world.”
