Argentine media react to Aston Villa star Emi Martinez’s display vs Austria

Emi Martinez of Aston Villa has been heralded after Argentina's 2-0 World Cup win over Austria on Monday.

Lionel Messi stole the show with a brace, despite missing a penalty, as he broke the record for most goals in the history of the competition.

The Albiceleste eased to victory to secure their place in the last 32 of the tournament.

They now top Group J with six points, after they previously beat Algeria 3-0 in their opening match, and can't be knocked out of the group stages.

Martinez's impact on the contest was not as impactful as Messi, but the Villans man certainly played his part in the scenes.

The goalkeeper was reliable when he was needed, and his impact did not go unnoticed by the national media after the game.

What did the Argentine media say about Aston Villa star Emi Martinez

Martinez has often show his class with Unai Emery's side over the years, but he regularly does so for the national team, too.

The World Cup winning star earned rave reviews in his homeland, with Ole handing him a 6.5 rating out of 10.

They said: "He responded when called upon: he correctly cleared a powerful free kick from Sabitzer that had gone right to him. He also caught a couple of crosses well."

Clarin did not provide ratings but they still praised the Villa Park ace, saying: "In goal, Emiliano Martínez had little to do, but he responded well when called upon, especially on a free kick that could have complicated the result."

The most glowing assessment was from La Pagina Millonaria, who handed him a seven rating.

They said: "He didn’t face a single shot on goal in the first half. In the second half, he made a good save in the 55th minute, which could have been Sabitzer’s equalizer from a free kick, and that was it.

"He was flawless when called upon."

How did Martinez perform vs Austria

Martinez dealt with one shot on target and he dealt with it, making one save in the contest, per Fotmob.

His effort to stop Marcel Sabitzer's free-kick ensured that he kept his clean sheet and his side were in no danger of relinquishing their lead.

He completed 75 per cent of his passes in the clash, proving that his distribution is solid.

The 33-year-old also made two high claims and six recoveries in a commanding performance, when he was required.

The media were right to praise him and label his showing as flawless, he turned up when they needed him and showed why he is considered as one of the best in his position.

The B6 stopper and his nation will hope that he can continue this form in the latter stages and win another World Cup, adding to his legacy.

It will be a huge achievement for the Villans if they had a two-time winner of international football's biggest tournament between the sticks.