In a dramatic quarterfinal match, Lionel Messi and Argentina advanced to the Copa America semifinals after a tense penalty shootout against Ecuador. The match, held on Thursday night, ended in a 1-1 draw before Argentina clinched a 4-2 victory in penalties.
Messi, who confidently stepped up to take Argentina’s first penalty, missed by hitting the crossbar, recalling his similar role in the 2022 World Cup final against France. Despite this setback, Messi remained optimistic, placing his faith in goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
“I was pretty upset,” Messi admitted, “but at the same time, I was secure. We know what Dibu is capable of; he really thrives on those moments.”
Martínez, affectionately known as “Dibu,” proved crucial by saving attempts from Ecuador’s Ángel Mena and Alan Minda. This performance ensured Argentina’s progression and kept their hopes alive for a second consecutive Copa America title.
Argentina initially took the lead in the 35th minute with a goal from Lisandro Martínez, following a corner kick from Messi. However, Ecuador equalized in second-half stoppage time through Kevin Rodríguez, pushing the match into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Martínez’s heroics shone as he saved two key penalties, while Julián Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolás Otamendi converted their attempts for Argentina. Otamendi’s decisive penalty secured the victory, sending the pro-Argentinian crowd of 69,456 at NRG Stadium into jubilation.
“I wasn’t ready to go home,” Martínez said. “This team deserved to advance. They complicated us a lot and played a great match, very physical. We knew they were one of the top rivals in Copa America.”
Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni praised the team’s resilience and Martínez’s critical saves. “Our goalkeeper came up clutch,” Scaloni said through an interpreter. “We have reached the semis, and given the great level of performance of every national team, I think it’s a great achievement.”
Next, Argentina will face either Venezuela or Canada in the semifinals, seeking their third consecutive major title and a record 16th Copa America championship. The match will be held in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Despite his missed penalty and recent injury struggles, Messi expressed confidence in his performance and the team’s prospects. “I finished well,” he said. “I didn’t feel any pain.”
The team’s path to the semifinals marks another milestone in their pursuit of international glory, building on their successes at the 2022 World Cup and the previous Copa America.
