Lionel Messi reacts as Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez wins the Yacine Trophy

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was honoured at the 2024 Ballon d’Or gala in Paris for his outstanding season for club and country.

For the second time running, he was presented with the Yacine Trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper in world football and selected by former Ballon d’Or winners.

Martinez made history by becoming the first player to win the award in successive years, beating the likes of Mike Maignan, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Andriy Lunin, among others this year.

Several teammates from the club and country congratulated the Aston Villa goalkeeper, and Argentina captain Lionel Messi joined in on the act.

Martinez played a pivotal role for Argentina as they won the 2024 Copa America to cap off one of the greatest spells in the country’s history.

The enigmatic goalkeeper was in the squad when Argentina won the competition in 2021 and also played a starring role in their 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph, cementing his status as an all-time great.

The 2023-24 campaign turned out to be a successful one for Martinez, who was in sublime form for Aston Villa as they finished fourth in the Premier League to return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 40 years.

After he bagged the Yacine Trophy for his heroics between the sticks, Messi took to Instagram to congratulate him and Lautaro Martinez, who finished seventh in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings.

The translated version of Messi’s caption reads, “Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the Ballon d’Or 2024.

“Especially to Dibu (what a great, another award for best goalkeeper in the world!), to Lautaro, to Leo and Ale. It’s very nice to see them there!”

Martinez’s 2023-24 season stats for Aston Villa
Martinez played 47 times across all competitions for Unai Emery’s side and kept 15 clean sheets as they enjoyed one of their best-ever seasons in the top flight.

He conceded just one goal in the 2024 Copa America and played every minute for Lionel Scaloni’s side as Argentina retained the trophy.

Martinez’s stock has risen considerably since his transfer from Arsenal to Aston Villa and the towering goalkeeper is undoubtedly one of the best in the business currently.