Lionel Messi and Argentina aimed for a quarterfinal win in the Copa América, but it was goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez who saved the day.
His two crucial penalty shootout saves against Ecuador secured Argentina’s place in the semifinals of the Copa América on Thursday night.
Messi, who had missed Argentina’s final group stage match due to a muscle injury, returned to the starting lineup and led his team in a tough match in Houston.
Enzo Fernández’s blocked shot led to a corner, from which Messi’s cross found Alexis Mac Allister, who set up Lisandro Martínez for the opening goal just before halftime.
In the second half, Ecuador was awarded a penalty after a handball by Rodrigo De Paul. However, Enner Valencia’s poor penalty was saved by Martínez. Ecuador eventually equalized in stoppage time through Kevin Rodríguez, pushing the match to a penalty shootout.
During the shootout, Messi missed his panenka attempt to the crossbar, but Martínez’s heroics continued as he saved two penalties, ensuring Argentina’s victory.
Argentina will now face the winner of the Venezuela-Canada match in the semifinals.
