Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez has described his teammate Lionel Messi as a leader worth dying for.
After Argentina defeated Columbia to bag another Copa America trophy, Martinez mentioned that the Argentinian team is made up of 11 warriors who are ready to achieve victory for Messi.
The Argentina captain limped off with an apparent ankle injury in the second half of their Copa America final against Colombia on Sunday.
The Inter Miami forward went down off the ball in the 64th minute and left the field to a standing ovation from fans at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
Speaking on the removal of Messi from the match, Emi Martínez, who won the golden gloves in the competition, said, “If Messi leaves, there are 11 warriors behind him.
“He is our leader, and all we have to do is achieve victory for the team. He cried, and we made him laugh in the end.
“He achieved everything. Is there anything else left? Don’t write anything about him again.”
Defending champions Argentina sealed a record-breaking 16th Copa America title and a third consecutive major trophy after an extra-time strike from substitute Lautaro Martínez fired Lionel Scaloni’s side to a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on Sunday.