Argentina Secures Semi-Final Spot Despite Messi’s Panenka Penalty Miss
In a thrilling Copa America quarter-final, Argentina edged past Ecuador in a dramatic penalty shootout despite Lionel Messi’s missed penalty attempt.
Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals after a tense shootout victory over Ecuador. The match had its share of excitement, with Messi missing his penalty with a failed Panenka attempt.
The game started with Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez heading in the opening goal from a Messi corner kick. Argentina maintained their lead until the 91st minute when Kevin Rodriguez scored for Ecuador, forcing the game into a penalty shootout.
Messi stepped up first for Argentina but missed his shot, hitting the crossbar with a poorly executed Panenka. However, Argentina’s hopes were kept alive by Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez, who saved Ecuador’s first two penalties. Former Manchester City defender Nicolás Otamendi then sealed the win with the decisive penalty.
After the match, Messi shared that he and Martínez had joked about the possibility of penalties before the game. “He was joking about saving penalties, and when we reach this stage, we have an advantage,” Messi said. He also mentioned that he had been dealing with pain and fear of injury but felt better after the last training session, convincing coach Scaloni that he was ready to play.
Argentina aims for back-to-back Copa America titles as they prepare to face the winner of the Venezuela vs. Canada match in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
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