Copa America: Messi misses penalty but Argentina advances to semi-finals

In a game decided on penalties, Argentina beat Ecuador this Thursday (4) and advanced to the semi-finals of the Copa América 

In regular time, the match, which was played at NRG Stadium in Houston, United States, ended in a 1-1 draw .

In the penalty shootout, Lionel Scaloni’s team converted 4 shots to Ecuador’s 2. Lionel Messi, who opened the penalty shootout for Argentina, missed the same one.

Later, Dibu defended two shots, from Ángel Mena and Minda.

Regulation time

Argentina opened the scoring in the match with defender Lisandro Martínez, 34 minutes into the first half.

Striker Lionel Messi took a corner from the left, midfielder Mac Allister headed it and the defender appeared to put the ball in the back of the net.

Ecuador’s goal came in the 45th minute of the second half and was not without controversy. Midfielder Yeboah crossed for Kevin Rodríguez to head home. However, before the ball reached the goal, center forward Jordy Caicedo, who was offside, tried to deflect it, and the incident went to VAR.

After analysis, the video referee validated the goal.