Argentina captain Lionel Messi hailed Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez after his Copa America shootout heroics against Colombia.

After the semi-final against Colombia on Tuesday night finished 1-1 after extra-time, Aston Villa shot-stopper Martinez saved three penalties as the Argentinians progressed via a 3-2 win in the shoot-out.

And Messi, who scored his own spot-kick and is vying for his first Copa America triumph, lauded Martinez in the aftermath as all focus turns towards Sunday's final against Brazil.

"We have Emi, who is a phenomenon," Messi said.

"We trusted him. We achieved the goal of being able to play all the games and now we are going to the final."

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Martinez's shoot-out performance too, as well as the command he has over the defence.

"We are very happy with Emiliano's performance, not only because of the penalties, but also because of the security that he is transmitting," he said.

"The group of defenders is permanently supported and we like that."