Featured Image Credit: Copa America
Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Football, Copa America
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: Lionel Messi, Argentina, Football, Copa America
Lionel Messi MISSED his penalty during Argentina's thrilling shootout against Ecuador at the Copa America as he attempted a cheeky Panenka.
Argentina booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Copa America after beating Colombia on penalties.
The holders edged past the Ecuadorians after a dramatic penalty shootout, where Messi completely fluffed his lines from the spot.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez opened the scoring as he headed home following a flick on from a Messi corner kick.
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Argentina were leading the quarter-final clash until the 91st minute when Kevin Rodriguez scored to level proceedings.
Rodriguez forced a penalty shootout between Argentina and Ecuador as the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner stepped up first to take a spot kick.
But he failed to find the back of the net as he horribly executed his Panenka penalty.
His effort hit the crossbar, but Messi's blushes were spared by Aston Villa star Emiliano Martínez, who saved two penalties.
'Dibu' stopped Ecuador's first penalty before saving their second spot kick as former Manchester City defender Nicolás Otamendi converted the winning penalty.
Argentina are aiming for back-to-back Copa America titles as they resume their campaign on Wednesday against the winner of Venezuela vs. Canada.
After the match, Messi revealed that he was joking with Martinez about the game going to penalties.
"Before the match, he was joking about the possibility of penalties and said he was going to save them. When we reach this stage, we have an advantage," he said.
The Inter Miami superstar added: "[After the game against Chile] I was suffering from pain and fear of injury, but in the last training I felt better and felt that I could participate, I told Scaloni that I was fine and I was no longer feeling any muscle discomfort.
"I was very angry because I was convinced to take it that way if the opportunity arose. I had talked with Dibu and Rulli in advance."