Houston, Texas – Lionel Messi faced a crucial moment in the Copa America quarterfinal match against Ecuador. Despite missing a penalty kick during a shootout, his Argentine teammates stepped up to secure a 1-1 (4-2 in penalty kicks) victory on Thursday at NRG Stadium in Houston. The win propelled Argentina to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Venezuela and Canada quarterfinal.
Before the dramatic penalty shootout, Messi made his mark earlier in the match by delivering a corner kick that led to a goal by defender Lisandro Martínez in the 35th minute. The match took a turn when Ecuador’s Kevin Rodríguez scored a header in stoppage time to tie the game at 1-1, leading to the thrilling shootout.
Despite Messi’s miss, Argentina’s national team remained resilient, showcasing their defending champions’ spirit from Copa America 2021 and World Cup 2022. The shootout saw Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolás Otamendi finding the back of the net to secure the win.
The victory was not without its challenges, as Ecuador’s Enner Valencia missed a crucial penalty kick, hitting the post in the 62nd minute. Messi, who returned from an injury, played the entire match, showcasing his resilience and determination on the field.
The atmosphere was tense as both teams fought hard, with more fouls than shot attempts and minimal shots on goal. However, Argentina’s perseverance paid off as they emerged victorious, setting the stage for an intense semifinal clash.
Despite Messi’s scoreless streak in the Copa America, his contribution to the team’s success is undeniable. The Argentine captain’s presence on the field continues to inspire his teammates and fans alike as they chase glory in the tournament.
As Argentina advances to the semifinals, the team’s focus shifts to the next challenge, ready to face whichever opponent emerges victorious in the quarterfinal clash between Venezuela and Canada. The road to the Copa America final promises more excitement and drama as Argentina aims to defend their title and showcase their skill on the global stage.