Copa América - Despite Messi's penalty miss: Argentina in Copa semi-finals
Despite Lionel Messi's missed penalty in the shootout, Argentina advanced to the Copa America semifinals. The football world champion defeated Ecuador in Houston with a 4:2 penalty shootout after a 1:1 (0:0) draw in regular time.
In the dramatic shootout, Messi, the first shooter, hit the crossbar with a bold shot. But the 37-year-old could then celebrate with his team, as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved two shots.
"I was quite disappointed but also confident at the same time," Messi said about the moments after his missed penalty. He had fully trusted goalkeeper Martinez.
"He really blooms in such moments and enjoys it," Messi described. Just like in the World Cup final against France, the goalkeeper showed tempting gestures and celebrated his second save with a provocative hip swing.
Jubilation despite late shock
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United scored a header for Argentina in the 35th minute. Enner Valencia shot a handball penalty against the post for Ecuador in the 61st minute. Kevin Rodriquez scored the equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time.
At the Copa America, there is no extra time after a draw in the quarterfinals and semifinals, but rather a penalty shootout directly.
The defending South American and World champion Argentina had a perfect group stage without a point loss and goal conceded. In the last group game against Peru, Messi missed out due to a leg injury. With 15 titles, Argentina is the record champion of the Copa America.
Consequences for Ecuador coach
Ecuador continued its negative series at the Copa America: The Tricolor has not won against any South American team in the tournament since 1998. The only wins since 2001 were against guest teams from North, Central America and the Caribbean.
For national coach Felix Sanchez, the loss against Argentina had immediate consequences: The Spaniard was fired by the federation FEF, despite having a contract until the end of July 2026.
In the other quarterfinal matches, Venezuela and Canada face off on Friday (local time), followed by Colombia and Panama on Saturday (local time), and later Brazil and Uruguay.
Argentina will face an opponent in the Copa America semifinals, as their victory against Ecuador in Houston secured their spot. Despite Lionel Messi's missed penalty, Emiliano Martinez's impressive saves sealed Argentina's 4-2 victory in the shootout. Messi, showing confidence in Martinez, expressed disappointment yet optimism after his missed penalty.
Argentina's journey to the semifinals began with a perfect group stage, with no losses or conceded goals. Although Messi was absent in the final group game against Peru due to an injury, Argentina's stellar performance has earned them the title of the most successful team in Copa America history, with 15 titles.
Ecuador's performance at the tournament has been less than impressive, as they have not secured a win against a South American team since 1998. National coach Felix Sanchez's contract ended prematurely following Argentina's victory, and he was subsequently relieved of his duties.
The semifinals will be a crucial stage for Argentina, as they aim to defend their Copa America and World Championship titles. Lionel Messi, Argentina's star player, will surely be ready to lead his team to victory and etch his name further in soccer history.
With Brazil and Uruguay set to face each other in a separate quarterfinal match, the semifinals promise to be an exciting display of soccer talent from across South America. Debates about team strategies, player prowess, and whether Argentina can replicate their success will undoubtedly dominate soccer discussions for the weeks leading up to the semifinals.
