Argentina-Colombia Copa America score: Emiliano Martinez penalty heroics sets up Lionel Messi-Brazil final

The Aston Villa shot-stopper saved three penalty kicks to carry Argentina to a dream final vs. Brazil

Emiliano Martinez put forth a heroic, legendary performance in goal for Argentina on Tuesday, sending his team to the Copa America final with a 3-2 win on penalty kicks over Colombia. The match ended 1-1 and went straight to the shootout, and from there the trash-talking, hip-thrusting Aston Villa goalkeeper saved three of the five penalties he faced. His team did enough as Lionel Messi, Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martinez finished their chances from the spot, setting up a dreamy Argentina-Brazil final on Saturday night. 

The match started off with Argentina threatening from the opening whistle, taking just seven minutes to get their goal. Gio Lo Celso played a world-class ball into the box to the feet of Messi, who set up Lautaro Martinez for the opener.

Argentina maintained control of the match and felt like the most likely to get the second goal until halftime. That's when Colombia coach Reinaldo Rueda made three changes that gave his team some more technical ability and speed, and the problems began for the favorites.

Colombia continued to look like a threat against an underwhelming Argentina defense and made them pay dearly in the 61st minute. A quick free kick was played to send Luis Diaz through, and the Porto man did the rest, finishing from a title angle to equalize it.

But Argentina had their chances, missing two golden ones late in the second half. First, Martinez missed on a goal that was defended by just one defender as David Opsina was caught out, but his poorly taken effort was cleared with ease. Then it was Messi who was played into the box, turning and firing off the left post, resulting in the match going to penalties. 

The favorites maintained their composure, with their goalkeeper putting together a brilliant display on how to dominate a shootout.

Argentina and Brazil will meet Saturday night at the legendary Maracana in Rio de Janeiro at 8 p.m. ET.

Argentina 1, Colombia 1 (ARG wins 3-2 on PKs)

[Jul 6, 2021 at 10:44 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Messi off the post! He's played into the box off a great ball from Di Maria, but he can't finish!

[Jul 6, 2021 at 10:40 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Goes out for a corner after Messi hits wall and Paredes fires the rebound close.

[Jul 6, 2021 at 10:38 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

A great run by Messi, as he earns a free kick from probably about 25 yards out. Certainly Messi range.

[Jul 6, 2021 at 10:36 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Ospina is caught out, and Argentina miss a golden chance! Martinez with a defender in the goal misses with a weak shot. Horrific miss. 

[Jul 6, 2021 at 10:33 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Messi feeds Di Maria, who goes on a fine run towards the box, but his shot after cutting at the top of the box lacks precision, as Ospina scoops it up easily. 

[Jul 6, 2021 at 10:24 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

A quick free kick sends the Porto man in, and he finishes brilliantly past Martinez. 1-1!

[Jul 6, 2021 at 10:24 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

61' Goal Colombia! It's 1-1! A great run and finish by Luis Diaz!

[Jul 6, 2021 at 10:13 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

He's up, and he's gone to the sideline. Messi is waiting to come back on.

[Jul 6, 2021 at 10:11 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

? Messi hurt! Gets a stud to the ankle from Fabra! Unintentional, but he's down in a lot of pain.

[Jul 6, 2021 at 10:07 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Edwin Cardona, Frank Fabra and Yimmy Chara are on for Colombia.

Gonzalo Montiel comes on for Argentina.

[Jul 6, 2021 at 9:46 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Nearly 2-0 for Argentina! Messi with a great ball in off the corner, and Nicolas Gonzalez heads down on frame, but Ospina gets a touch to send it over the goal! 

[Jul 6, 2021 at 9:38 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Off the post! Barrios with a rifle that hits Lo Celso's hand and flies off the right post!!! Colombia knocking on the door...

[Jul 6, 2021 at 9:31 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Colombia have improved since the game started. They are seeing more of the ball and have five shots to Argentina's two. Just one really good chance though that Martinez saved. Still, they are growing in confidence and the passing has been sharper.

[Jul 6, 2021 at 9:08 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

It starts with a great ball from Lo Celso to Messi's feet in the box, and he sets up Martinez well with a fine strike!

[Jul 6, 2021 at 9:08 pm ET · Roger Gonzalez]

Seven minutes in! Lautaro Martinez finishes off a fine pass from Messi!