Emiliano Martinez has told Sky Sports that Lionel Messi has made him a ‘better goalkeeper’.
In the summer, Messi won the Copa America in Argentina colours, with Martinez being one of the stars of the show in between the sticks.
The little magician labelled the £17 million Villa player as a ‘phenomenon’ for his performances, which included saving three penalties in a shootout win against Colombia in the semi-finals.
But now, it seems as though Messi will be leaving Barcelona and heading to PSG, as Martinez shared his thoughts on the ‘shock’ developments involving his fellow countryman.
“He’s a guy who has given me a lot,” said Martinez. “Not just off the pitch. On the pitch, he has given me extra motivation to play football.
“He made me a better goalkeeper. That’s the reality. It was a shock for everyone. No-one knew he was going to go there.
“Maybe it would be good for him to have a new challenge. They have some South American and Argentian players there.
“I have no doubt he will be the goalscorer in the French league and hopefully win the Champions League. It’s a player who can do it all.”
It has been one crazy summer transfer window and it’s seemingly not over as weeks remain until that August 31 deadline.
From £100 million Jack Grealish joining Manchester City to Messi closing in on a move to PSG, the global pandemic clearly hasn’t hit those at the top of the footballing food chain.
If Messi does make his expected move to France then ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has to win every domestic trophy in France and win that first European Cup for the Ligue 1 side.
If not then it will be hard to see him survive.
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