Emi Martinez can’t watch as Lionel Messi nets emphatic penalty to join Kylian Mbappe as 2022 World Cup’s joint-top goalscorer in semi-final victory over Croatia
Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez was unable to watch as Lionel Messi stepped up to take a penalty in the 3-0 victory over Croatia in the World Cup semi-final.
Messi drew level with France star Kylian Mbappe as the tournament's joint-top scorer with an emphatic spot-kick to put the Albiceleste in front.
It was the iconic forward's fifth goal and also his fifth penalty in Qatar, including during the shootout against the Netherlands.
Despite his miss against Poland, the 35-year-old has been successful four times.
Nevertheless, his teammate Martinez was too nervous to look.
The Aston Villa star, who saved two spot-kicks during the shootout victory over the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, was pictured with his back to Messi as the superstar braced himself.
And the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner smashed his penalty into the top-right corner, giving Dominik Livakovic no chance, despite the Croatia goalkeeper diving the right way.
Upon hearing the response from thousands of Argentina fans in the crowd, Martinez jumped to his feet in celebration.
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Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez doubled their advantage shortly afterwards with a wonderful solo effort.
Messi then turned on the magic as he turned Josko Gvardiol inside out before setting Alvarez up for his second and Argentina's third.
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