Messi almost became a sinner on the day Argentina entered the semi-finals
On the morning of July 5, Argentina drew 1-1 with Ecuador after 90 minutes, then won 4-2 in the penalty shootout in the Copa America quarter-finals.
Lionel Messi failed to take his penalty kick in Argentina’s 4-2 victory over Ecuador in the Copa America quarter-finals.
Because the Copa America quarter-finals do not apply extra time, Argentina and Ecuador immediately entered a penalty shootout after 90 minutes of stalemate.
In the first round, Lionel Messi’s panenka shot hit the crossbar. However, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez continued to show his mettle with two consecutive accurate dives to block shots from Mena and Minda from Ecuador.
In the remaining 4 rounds, Julian Alvarez, Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel and Otamendi all successfully performed, thereby helping Argentina win 4-2 in the nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
Messi and his teammates won tickets to the semi-finals of Copa America 2024. Their opponent will be the winner of the match between Venezuela or Canada.
Martinez shined in the penalty shootout.
Martinez shined in the penalty shootout.
In the quarter-finals, Argentina welcomed the return of Lionel Messi. However, the defending Copa America champions still faced many difficulties against the ability of Ecuador’s defense to cling and compete well.
In the first half, Argentina had 62% possession but did not create many dangerous chances. The “Albicelestes” had to rely on a set piece to find the opening goal.
In the 35th minute, from Messi’s corner kick, Alexis Mac Allister headed the ball for Lisaando Martinez to score from less than 5 meters away.
Lisandro scored his first goal for the national team.
Lisandro scored his first goal for the national team.
In the second half, Ecuador pushed up the attack and earned a penalty after Rodrigo De Paul handled the ball. From 11 meters away, Enner Valencia fooled goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez but hit the post. The former West Ham striker had a terrible tournament. In the opening match, he received a red card.
Valencia’s poor penalty kick.
Valencia’s poor penalty kick.
For the rest of the match, Argentina played at a slow pace, leaving Ecuador without the ball to launch attacks. Thinking that the semi-final ticket was in their hands, coach Lionel Scaloni’s team unexpectedly conceded a goal in the 90+2 minute. From a cross from the right wing, Kevin Rodriguez jumped high to head the ball, giving Emiliano Martinez no chance to block.
The penalty shootout once again became a nightmare for coach Felix Sanchez. His team held the advantage but still fell before the bravery of the reigning Copa America champions.
