Reigning world champions Argentina avoided an embarrassing collapse against Ecuador in the quarterfinal match of the 2024 Copa America tournament on Wednesday, July 4, at the NRG Stadium, home of the NFL's Texans in Houston.
Ecuador launched a valiant fightback after being down for most of the match following a 35th-minute header by Lisandro Martinez, scoring an equalizer in the 91st minute by Kevin Rodríguez to tie the game at one goal apiece.
With no extra time in Copa America's rulebook, the match quickly went to penalties after regulation, and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez once again showed his prowess.
Martinez stopped Ecuador's first two penalties, which shattered their confidence and gave Argentina the momentum to nail four of their five penalties, winning the shootout 4-2 and advancing to the semifinals of the tournament.
Ecuador's Enner Valencia had a chance to tie the game earlier in the 62nd minute with a penalty, but he hit the post.
Lionel Messi misses his penalty
Argentina star Lionel Messi notably missed his team's first penalty in the shootout after attempting a Panenka-style shot, which hit the crossbar.
The 37-year-old legend played in the entire game despite missing their last group-stage match against Peru due to thigh discomfort. He has yet to record a goal but has provided one assist in the tournament.
Messi's miss comes after his career rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, also missed a potential game-winning penalty in extra time against Slovenia in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament less than a week ago.
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