Messi celebrates Emi Martinez After Penalty Heroics against Holland

• Lionel Messi celebrated Argentina's passage to the semi-final of the World Cup with Emi Martinez
• The goalkeeper saved two penalties to help Argentina reach the last four of the tournament
• Messi scored and provided an assist in the quarter-final clash at the Lusail stadium

Lionel Messi's dream of winning the World Cup in on course thanks to the brilliance of goalkeeper Emi Martinez during the penalty shootout against the Netherlands.

The Argentina shot-stopper was the hero of the night after saving the first two spot kicks from the Dutch team to send the South Americans through to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Messi was once again at his absolute best, providing an assist and scoring to give Argentina a two-goal lead.

However, second half substitute Wout Werghorst forced the game into extra time with two late goals.

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In a dramatic shootout, Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis saw their penalties saved by the strong hands of Martinez to give Argentina a two-goal lead. Messi and Leandro Paredes made no mistake from the spot.

And despite the Dutch scoring their last three spot kicks, it was not enough to stop Argentina from reaching the last four.

Messi run to Martinez after Lautaro Martinez netted the winner to celebrate the Aston Villa goalkeeper.

The two-time world champions will next face Croatia in the semi-finals after the Europeans eliminated favourites Brazil via penalties.

Messi slams van Gaal

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Lionel Messi was incensed with Netherlands Head Coach Louis Van Gaal after a highly-tempered World Cup quarterfinal match.

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Argentina beat the Netherlands on post-match penalties to set up a semifinal date with Croatia but the game was marred by ugly confrontations. Lionel Messi with Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal following the FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final match at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar.

Nahuel Molina and Messi had put Argentina on their way with a goal in each half only for Wout Weghorst to score a late brace to restore parity. Argentina's goalkeeper Emi Martinez saved two spot-kicks to help his side go through.