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Lionel Messi missed Argentina's first spot-kick in the Copa America 2024 quarter-final against Kendry Paez's Ecuador. The match was forced into a penalty shootout after an unexpected goal by Kevin Rodriguez in additional time to equalize for Ecuador.
After a tight opening, Argentina went ahead in the 35th minute courtesy of a header by Lisandro Martinez. Lionel Messi's corner was flicked back by Alexis Mac Allister, and Martinez found the sweet spot with his head to make it 1-0 for La Albiceleste.
The pendulum swung throughout the 90 minutes, with both sides getting ample opportunities to score. However, the scoreline remained 1-0 until the first minute of additional time.
In the 91st minute, Ecuador took a quick freekick as John Yeboah floated the ball inside the penalty box. Kevin Rodriguez got the slightest of touches to direct the ball away from Emiliano Martinez and push the match into penalties.
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Lionel Messi went on to take the first shot as goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez prepared himself for the left-footed strike of the Argentine. Messi managed to hoodwink him totally as he chipped the ball down the middle of the net, while Dominguez dived in the wrong direction.
To the horror of every Argentine fan, the ball clipped the bar and bounced out of sight, with Messi shaking his head in disbelief.
Emiliano Martinez saves the day for Lionel Messi's Argentina in Copa America quarter-finals
Argentina were under huge pressure after their talisman, Lionel Messi, missed his first penalty in the shootout in the Copa America 2024 quarter-finals. However, Emiliano Martinez was there to save the day as the penalty specialist rose to the occasion and made back-to-back saves to pull his side towards the semi-finals of the Copa America 2024.
Argentina's next penalty-takers were Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolas Otamendi. All of them converted their shots to make it 4-2 for La Albiceleste as they marched on to the semi-finals.
Messi and company will face the winner of Venezuela vs. Canada at the AT&T Stadium on July 10.
