Lionel Messi sends Instagram message praising Aston Villa's Emi Martinez

By Lee Connor

Argentina and Lionel Messi finally got their hands on the Copa America with the Barcelona star involved, beating Brazil 1-0 last night.

Messi watched on as Angel Di Maria scored the only goal of the game to seal a first major international trophy for Messi. It’s been a long time coming, and will be a weight off his shoulders, despite his vast achievements in the game.

However, despite Messi’s brilliance, it was the performances of Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez which caught the eye throughout. The former Arsenal man was imperious throughout, including last night.

And Messi, taking to his Instagram account last night, was quick to praise Martinez and offer his congratulations to the Villa man.

Villa captured Martinez for around £20m last summer and he has been a revelation ever since. Key to Villa’s excellent season, it’s another story for Arsenal fans.

They now find themselves looking for another goalkeeper. And watching Martinez continue to have the success he is, must sting.

Arsenal’s loss is Villa’s – and Argentina’s – gain

To say Arsenal dropped the ball when it comes to Martinez is an understatment. He’s gone to become one of the best in the Premier League, and has now carried that to the biggest stage.

His penalty shootout performance against Colombia was excellent. He seems to be growing by the game and worringly, can probably be even better.

Villa have pulled off a masterstroke with Martinez. For Arsenal, they’re left with egg on their face. A notion made worse when the greatest player in the world is singing Martinez’s praises.