Emiliano Martinez's penalty saves for Argentina national team: A look at his stunning penalty records

Emi Martinez, the hero of the 2022 World Cup final and possibly the finest penalty stopper in the world, answered with an impressive save on Ecuador's first effort, and the Albiceleste secured a fifth-straight semi-final position. Emi Martinez saved two penalties that kept Lionel Messi's blushes in check.

Argentina is not yet at the top of the Copa America standings. La Albiceleste has occasionally shown recklessness, resembling its World Cup-winning squad just slightly. But despite a 1-1 draw in regulation, the reigning champions' 4-2 victory over Ecuador on penalties on Friday night was enough to secure a semifinal berth.

Lionel Messi had a difficult time during the match, failing to leave his imprint and missing a penalty attempt once more. Nevertheless, those surrounding him made the right decisions; Emi Martinez prevented Argentina from losing twice.

Martínez, the hero of the 2022 World Cup final and possibly the finest penalty stopper in the world, answered with an impressive save on Ecuador's first effort, and the Albiceleste secured a fifth-straight semi-final position. Martínez, known for his theatrics and antics, danced spectators behind the goal.

FIFA revised the penalty regulations in Qatar 2022, barring goalkeepers from addressing penalty takers, something Martínez had previously utilized to win the mental battle and destabilize the opposition kicker.  One of Martinez's major talents is his penalty-taking technique and shot-stopping skills, as well as his attitude.

Emiliano Martinez records in penalties saves 

Martinez has saved nine of the twenty-four penalties that have been called against him in Albiceleste games, while his opponents have also missed three of them. There have been 12 conversions made against him, meaning that he is 50% efficient whether he is saving them or seeing his opponent miss.

Meanwhile, Martinez has faced 59 penalties in total 13 saves and five total missed in regular and shootouts, excluding friendly shootouts.  With the remaining 41 goals, the penalty takers' success rate was 69.5 per cent.