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Lionel Messi claims Arsenal sold “one of the world’s best players” under Mikel Arteta
Lionel Messi believes Emiliano Martinez, a former Arsenal goalkeeper, is one of the best in the world.
The 29-year-old, who is now at Aston Villa, spent eight years at Arsenal before filling in for the injured Bernd Leno during the 2019/20 season, where he played a key role in the club’s FA Cup victory.
Martinez left the following transfer window because he was not guaranteed a starting spot, but he has since gone on to excel for both club and country.
And now, his national teammate and friend Messi has reminded Arsenal of their error in allowing the shot-stopper to leave after another outstanding performance for Argentina.
Argentina defeated Uruguay 3-0 on Sunday night, with Messi scoring the game’s first goal, though the Paris Saint-Germain star praised Martinez’s performance.
Messi praised his countryman, saying:
“When they come to him, he always responds.
“The truth is that, once again, he established himself after the Copa America.
“We have one of the best goalkeepers in the world, without a doubt. We take advantage of it.”
It wasn’t the first time the Argentina captain had praised Martinez, who had previously gushed about his spectacular Copa America performance against Colombia earlier this summer.
Martinez shone as he became the semi-final match’s penalty hero, saving three and propelling Argentina to the final, which they won.
Messi said after the Colombia match: “We have Emi, who is a phenomenon.
“We knew that he was going to stop them. We know and trust him. He deserves it.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans are perplexed as to how they let one of England’s best goalkeepers leave for only £20 million.
The decision became even more perplexing when the Gunners decided to sign Aaron Ramsdale as a replacement for Leno this summer, spending £4 million more than they did for Martinez.
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Lionel Messi claims Arsenal sold “one of the world’s best players” under Mikel Arteta
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