Emi Martinez is “proud” of Lionel Messi for continuing to play for Argentina against Bolivia while being injured, saying “He continues to love us.”

Emi Martinez has praised Lionel Messi for attending Argentina’s World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia despite being injured and unable to play.

The Argentina skipper missed his nation’s match against Bolivia in La Paz after being replaced late in Thursday’s victory against Ecuador. Yet Messi elected to stay with his teammates as they endured the taxing journey to 3,600 metres above sea level for the second of their World Cup qualifying double-header, something that impressed his custodian, rather than flying off to start his recovery in Florida.

Martinez explained to reporters after his side had completed a comfortable 3-0 win: “There is hunger. It’s the same captain that could have went home but he accompanied us. That makes us proud that he continues to feel, continues to love and accompany us in that sense. I am proud to be behind these boys.”

The Aston Villa man –– usually the recipient of a hostile reception from opposing fans –– was delighted to be given a warm welcome from Bolivian supporters. “Normally, they don’t like me much outside of Argentina,” Martinez chuckled. “But today the Bolivian people surprised me that they chanted my name and I have a lot of respect for this country.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Still basking in the glow of December’s World Cup win in Qatar, the Argentina camp seems a happy place to be right now. And with the defence of their trophy getting off to a solid start, there seems to be no imminent threat to those feel-good vibes.

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IN THREE PHOTOS:GettyGettyAIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA? Argentina’s players will now return to their respective clubs, but they will gather again in October for qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.