Emiliano Martinez lauded by Argentine media after World Cup win vs Algeria: 'What a character'

Emiliano Martinez remained relatively untested as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 to start their defence of the World Cup on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi's staggering hat-trick stole the show in every way, with the magician equalling Miroslav Klose's record for the most World Cup goals.

Lionel Scaloni's side have now won their last eight consecutive games, keeping clean sheets in seven of them.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez is a huge part of that, and will hope to play part in a second World Cup win this summer ahead of a possible exit.

The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus in recent weeks, and is keen to make the move happen.

Villa will expect a transfer fee, however, and it remains to be seen how likely the Italian giants are to meet his exit price.

The World Champions start their #FIFAWorldCup defence with @EMartinez in goal

Good luck, Dibu! https://t.co/c7iip93e2L

Martinez had looked almost certain to leave Villa last summer, even caught in an emotional wave goodbye at the end of the season.

Ultimately a move never materialised, and the 33-year-old looked to be feeling the effects of that at the start of the season.

Martinez got back on track eventually, however, and helped make Villa history at the end of the season in Istanbul.

The goalkeeper featured throughout as Unai Emery's team beat Freiburg 3-0 and won the Europa League, but he may not have even been able to play.

Dibu Martínez: “I played with a broken finger. It was not easy but these things can be part of the process”. pic.twitter.com/1iYTbO004O

After the game, the former Arsenal stopper revealed that he broke his finger in the warm-up, but decided to play anyway.

Presumably, Martinez is still recovering from that injury and he would have been glad to not have had any saves to make on Wednesday.

Argentinian outlet Tycsports awarded the goalkeeper a six out of 10 for his display, and wrote: "Although he wasn't directly confronted, he presented his usual credentials, simply by being there. And with a broken finger, what a character."

A final decision on Martinez's future will likely come after Argentina's participation in the World Cup is over.

The 33-year-old has been a loyal and superb servant for Villa, but now clearly wants another move before his career is over.

Decision-makers at Villa Park must now weigh up the goalkeeper's situation. He remains a top-level shot-stopper and will be difficult to replace this summer.

Emi Martínez point-blank saves pic.twitter.com/rMl8CB3ASd

But there is also a sense that Villa should not stand in Martinez's way, considering his part in Emery's project.

Should he be allowed to leave, the likes of James Trafford will likely occupy the target list.