Emiliano Martinez got in Yerry Mina’s head by unleashing a whole lot of trash-talking prior to saving his penalty.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was Argentina’s hero in the Copa America semi-final shoot-out win over Colombia, saving three spot-kicks to set up a huge final with Brazil.
 |
| Image: PA |
In the previous round against Uruguay, Mina had dispatched his spot-kick and celebrated by throwing some shapes despite it not even being the winning penalty.
But from the moment he stepped up on Wednesday morning, Martinez did everything he could to put him off.
The former Arsenal man told Mina: “You’re nervous, eh? I can tell you’re nervous” “I know where you’re going to shoot. Watch and see how I’m gonna eat you up.”
Emiliano to Yerry Mina before saving his PK:
“You’re nervous, eh? I can tell you’re nervous”
“I know where you’re going to shoot.”
“Watch and see how I’m gonna eat you up.”pic.twitter.com/4DDFsDJmKS— Juan (@socraticjuan) July 7, 2021
And the former Barcelona defender was unable to block out the trash-talking. Looking extremely envious when he placed the ball, Mina saw his strike from 12 yards saved by Martinez.
The 28-year-old celebrated saving a second consecutive penalty with a bizarre thrusting action.
Lionel Messi’s reaction was also one that went viral. The Argentina captain appeared to scream, “How about dancing now?” at his former Blaugrana teammate
— Billy Heyen (@BillyHeyen) July 7, 2021
“HOW ABOUT DANCING NOW?” yells Leo Messi to Yerry Mina after his penalty kick is saved by Dibu Martínez. This is the Messi all of Argentina wants to see. Fired up and in it ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/0mFXzVdru5
— Nico Cantor (@Nicocantor1) July 7, 2021
Argentina went on to win 3-2 on penalties, with Messi calling Martinez “a phenomenon” for his heroics less than a month after making his debut for the national team.
“We have Emi, who is a phenomenon,” Messi said, as per Goal.
“We trusted him. We achieved the goal of being able to play all the games and now we are going to the final.”