Argentina scraped into the Copa América semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Ecuador. Argentina edged past a determined Ecuador side on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw in their Copa América quarter-final clash on July 5th, but the victory was overshadowed by Lionel Messi’s astonishing penalty miss.

Messi’s Missed Penalty Steals the Spotlight

The maestro, returning from a minor knock, had a relatively quiet game by his standards. They took the lead through a Lisandro Martínez header, but with the game seemingly under control, a late Ecuadorian surge saw substitute Kevin Rodríguez equalize in stoppage time, forcing a penalty shootout.

The drama unfolded with Messi stepping up first for the Argentinians. In a surprising turn of events, Messi, usually unflappable from the spot, attempted a trademark Panenka chip (a penalty kick which sees the taker chip the ball down the centre of the goal). However, Ecuadorian goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez read it perfectly, palming the ball over the bar. A stunned silence fell over the Argentinian fans.

Emiliano Martínez, the Argentinian goalkeeper, then stole the show. With nerves jangling after Messi’s miss, Martinez saved two crucial Ecuadorian penalties to secure a 4-2 shootout win.

Argentina vs Ecuador: Key talking points

Messi’s penalty miss: This will undoubtedly be the biggest talking point. Was it a lapse in concentration, a sign of fatigue, or a bold attempt that backfired? Some will argue that at 37, the pressure of the moment might have gotten to him.
Martinez’s heroics: The Argentine goalkeeper’s saves in the shootout were crucial in securing victory. With Messi’s miss casting a shadow, Martinez’s composure under pressure ensured they didn’t crash out.
Argentina’s shaky performance: While they progressed, they’re overall performance will raise concerns. They need to improve if they want to win the Copa América. Argentina struggled to create clear opportunities throughout the game, relying on individual moments to take the lead. Their defence also looked vulnerable at times, especially in the final minutes when they conceded the equalizer.
Others will point out that Messi has successfully executed Panenka penalties in the past, but the high-pressure situation of a knockout game might have been a factor.

Looking ahead

Argentina will face a tougher opponent in the semi-finals. They need to find a way to rediscover their rhythm and ensure Messi rediscovers his scoring touch. The outcome of the tournament might hinge on Argentina’s ability to learn from this dramatic encounter.