Lionel Messi showed his true colours after Argentina's win over Netherlands by going straight over to congratulate Emiliano Martinez, rather than celebrating with the rest of his teammates.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper saved two penalties in the shootout as Argentina squeezed past the Dutch to book a semi-final meeting with Croatia, who beat Brazil earlier on Friday. Goals from Nahuel Molina and Messi gave Lionel Scaloni's side a two-nil advantage, and the South Americans were cruising into the last-four.
However, Wout Weghorst sparked a sensational late fightback from the bench as he came on to score twice - including the equaliser in the 101st minute to spark jubilant scenes. Weghorst's strike was enough to take the game to extra-time, but the additional 30 minutes wasn't as entertaining as previous half an hour.
Neither side could be separated as the tie went to penalties, and it would be Argentina who came out on top. Virgil van Djik and Steven Berghuis missed the Dutch's first two spot-kicks, with Messi and Leandro Paredes scoring theirs to put Argentina in full control. Lautaro Martinez would book the White and Sky Blue's place in the next round as they ran out 4-3 winners in the shootout.
After Martinez scored his spot-kick, the Argentina squad went over to celebrate with the Inter Milan forward, who had stormed over to the corner and performed a knee slide. But Messi decided to go the other way and head towards Villa's Martinez, with the 'keeper breaking down in tears.
Martinez had saved twice in the shootout and Messi acknowledged the efforts of the 30-year-old by going over to tap him on the head, before giving him a heart-warming hug. Substitute goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli also appeared to go over and congratulate Martinez for his efforts as Argentina scraped into the semi-final.
Messi then ran over to celebrate with the Argentina fans and received a raucous reception as he threw his hands in the air, before hugging the rest of his teammates. As well as the goal, Messi also grabbed an exceptional assist for Molina's opener, playing a delightful no-look pass through the Dutch defence before the midfielder slotted home.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand lauded Messi's pass in his verdict on the BBC. He said: "The pass defies physics. It’s a phenomenal pass, it had to be perfect and it was. The first touch once he gets the ball is great, this bit here where he separates himself from Ake, how he sees this pass, Blind has to get inside Molina. The pass was absolutely sublime."
Alan Shearer added: "You will go on about the pass but Molina is the guy who gets the ball back and wins it,” he said. Just look at his first touch, the pass is unbelievable, the vision is incredible, the weight of pass, everything but watch the first touch of Molina takes it away from the defender, if Van Dijk has to get in the way he has to foul him. It’s a wonderful finish."
