Lionel Messi wanted his Argentine teammates to bail him out, and the world champions delivered for his or her all-time captain.
Messi missed his penalty kick in a shootout, however Argentina outlasted Ecuador 1-1 (4-2 in penalty kicks) of their Copa America quarterfinal match Thursday evening at NRG Stadium in Houston to advance to the semifinal.
Argentina will meet the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between Venezuela and Canada at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The semifinal will likely be performed July 9 inside MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Messi walked up with the ball in his hand, lined up Argentina’s first kick to set the tone. And he missed it. His plan to chip it down the center was preferrred, however the ball hit the crossbar and went over the web.
However Messi’s miss didn’t discourage the Argentine nationwide crew, the defending Copa America 2021 and World Cup 2022 champions. They’ve been in far more adversarial conditions earlier than, and so they delivered for Messi.
Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolás Otamendi scored within the penalty spherical, whereas Argentina’s fierce and outlandishly celebrating goalkeeper Dibu Martinez saved Ecuador at bay with simply two penalties scored by John Yeboah and Jordy Caicedo.
The Argentinians celebrated in tune and dance, whereas Ecuador woefully accepted defeat after their thrilling comeback.
Ecuador’s Kevin Rodríguez related with a header within the decrease left nook in stoppage time to shock Argentina and tie the match at 1 within the 91st minute.
Earlier than the essential aim, it appeared Argentina would simply navigate its method to the semifinals.
Messi made his mark earlier within the match: His nook kick fueled a aim close to the web by defender Lisandro Martínez within the thirty fifth minute. Messi’s kick from the suitable facet was wanting the aim space, however Alexis Mac Allister used his head to ship the ball backwards the place Martínez was ready to attain.
Ecuador’s Enner Valencia missed a golden alternative to tie the match, however his poor kind led to his penalty kick ricocheting off the left put up within the 62nd minute.
Messi missed a proper boot within the second half, his solely shot of the match. He stays scoreless throughout this Copa America, however has an help in Argentina’s first match. He additionally turned the Copa America report holder for many minutes performed within the event in the course of the match.
Messi performed your entire match, getting back from a proper groin/adductor damage he suffered on June 25 in a 1-0 win in opposition to Chile, inflicting him to overlook a 2-0 win over Peru final Saturday.
It was a feisty match between either side, assembly once more within the Copa America quarterfinal like they did in 2021, when Argentina gained 3-0 in an in depth contest with two objectives after the 84th minute.
Each groups had extra fouls than shot makes an attempt, and the photographs on aim had been even decrease – two every for either side.
However just one crew prevailed.
Messi and Argentina advance, even after a thriller.
Argentina vs. Ecuador penalty shootout outcomes
Lionel Messi and Ángel Mena missed within the first spherical. Nil-nil.
Julian Alvarez scored for Argentina, however Alan Minda was denied within the second. Argentina 1-0.
Alexis Mac Allister scores for Argentina, and John Yeboah scores for Ecuador. Argentina 2-1.
Gonzalo Montiel scores for Argentina, and Jordy Caicedo scores for Ecuador. Argentina 3-2.
Nicolás Otamendi wins it 4-2 on penalty kicks for Argentina to advance to the semifinals.
Argentina vs. Ecuador penalty shootout: Messi misses his shot
Lionel Messi walked up with the ball in his hand, lined up his first kick to set the tone. And he missed it.
Messi had a plan to chip it down the center, however the ball hit the crossbar and went over the web.
Jordy Caicedo misses late shot: Argentina 1, Ecuador 1
Ecuador nearly ended it, however Jordy Caicedo missed this opportunity.
We’re going to a penalty shootout to resolve this match for a visit to the Copa America semifinals.
Ecuador shocks Argentina with late aim by Kevin Rodríguez: Argentina 1, Ecuador 1
This recreation isn’t over simply but, and penalty kicks might be on the horizon.
Ecuador’s Kevin Rodríguez related with a header within the decrease left nook in stoppage time to tie the match at 1.
This can be a stunning flip of occasions for Argentina, simply minutes away from a win and journey to the semifinals.
Messi misses proper boot towards the web: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Messi took his first shot of the sport, along with his proper foot as a substitute of his left, however he kicked it proper to Ecuador goalie Alexander Domínguez. Messi stays scoreless in Copa America play.
Lionel Messi units Copa America minutes report: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Messi has set one other report in his profession: Most minutes performed throughout Copa America. He set the report within the 66th minute, taking part in his 3,063rd minute all-time within the event.
Enner Valencia misses penalty kick: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Ecuador simply missed a golden alternative to tie this match with Enner Valencia lacking a crucial penalty kick off the left put up.
Even with Argentine goalie Dibu Martinez guessing the fallacious facet of the web to defend, Argentina will get fortunate.
It seems Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul collided into Ecuador’s Alan Franco on a nook kick to attract the penalty.
Lautaro Martinez takes a swing, misses broad: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Lautaro Martinez, the main aim scorer in Copa America, took a swing at a shot towards the web, however his kick was broad of the left put up. Argentina hasn’t had many photographs on this one, simply the fourth coming within the fifty fifth minute.
Messi takes hit at begin of first half: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Messi seems OK, resetting his socks, and getting a hand up from a teammate as he endured a sort out from an Ecuador participant within the fiftieth minute. Nevertheless, Argentina’s Cristian Romero and Ecuador’s Moisés Caicedo are being tended to on the pitch after a collision.
Messi begins within the second half: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Lionel Messi, taking part in in his first recreation since a proper groin/adductor damage, has began within the second half of the Ecuador match. It’s unclear how a lot Messi will play – if he’ll be an early exit instead or play the gap. However he’s already left his mark on this contest.
Lisandro Martínez aim: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Lionel Messi delivered the nook kick, Alexis Mac Allister headed it backward, and Lisandro Martínez put it into the again of the web for Argentina’s 1-0 lead vs. Ecuador.
Messi may not get the help, however his nook put Argentina in place for the early lead within the thirty fifth minute.
Only a play earlier, Enzo Fernandez may solely smile after his strike hit the Ecuadorian defender in entrance of him within the thirty fourth minute.
Enzo Fernández misses header: Argentina 0, Ecuador 0
Argentina’s first shot of the match comes within the twenty seventh minute, with Enzo Fernandez squaring up for a header, which sailed broad proper exterior the put up.
Ecuador’s protection has been stifling in the course of the opening minutes, crowding the house the place Argentina likes to work probably the most.
Messi has a number of touches, however hasn’t been capable of make his mark simply but.
Ecuador’s Jeremy Sarmiento misses shot on aim: Argentina 0, Ecuador 0
Ecuador’s Jeremy Sarmiento didn’t get sufficient of a contact, however it was sufficient to problem Argentina. Nonetheless, goalie Dibu Martinez shined brightly once more with a save, simply his seventh in Copa America after restricted photographs on aim within the membership’s group-stage matches.
Ecuador will get an early likelihood towards web: Argentina 0, Ecuador 0
Argentine goalie Dibu Martinez made the cease, however their protection was examined throughout this push by Ecuador early.
Messi waves to household within the stands
Lionel Messi with a wave towards his household within the stands earlier than tonight’s match.
Messi and his household arrive for Ecuador match
As Messi walked off the crew bus, his household additionally entered NRG Stadium in Houston for tonight’s match.
Messi in Argentina’s beginning lineup vs. Ecuador
ESPN Argentina with the early lineup, that includes Messi as a starter, earlier than tonight’s recreation.
What time is Argentina vs. Ecuador Copa América match?
The Argentina and Ecuador match begins at 9 p.m. ET (7 p.m. GALT and eight p.m. ECT in Ecuador; 10 p.m. ART in Argentina).
watch Argentina vs. Ecuador on TV and stay stream?
The Argentina vs. Ecuador match on Thursday will likely be broadcast by FOX (in English) and on Univision/TUDN (in Spanish).
FOX Sports activities will present stay streams for Copa América matches. Matches additionally will be streamed on Fubo. Vix will present a streaming possibility for Spanish-language broadcasts.
Is Messi taking part in tonight vs. Ecuador?
Messi’s taking part in time, in his return from damage, might be restricted. It will be rash to push him for a full 90-minute match until he wished to play your entire match. However how a lot will Messi play?
Argentine information outlet TYCSports reported Thursday morning that Messi is in line to begin the Ecuador match at after his efficiency in Wednesday’s follow.
“He completed yesterday’s follow very effectively, and the captain feels good to begin,” TYCSports insider Gaston Edul reported earlier than the sport.
Argentina and Ecuador meet once more in Copa América quarterfinals
Argentina beat Ecuador 3-0 within the quarterfinals en path to the ultimate of Copa América 2021. Messi scored on a free kick and had two assists within the victory – his rating and second help coming after the 84th minute.
What did Argentina’s coach say about Messi?
Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni mentioned Wednesday he would converse to Messi earlier than the membership’s follow to find out how a lot he’ll play within the Ecuador match.
“I believe it’s truthful to attend till the final second,” Scaloni mentioned, referring to Messi going via one other follow Wednesday. “I believe it’s truthful that he ought to take is time and practice as a lot as doable. So after the coaching, slightly, earlier than, I’ll discuss to him after which we are going to make the choice.”
How has Messi progressed from damage?
Messi participated in his second full follow along with his Argentine teammates in Houston on Wednesday evening, sooner or later after his first. He was a restricted follow participant on Monday. Messi labored solely with a coach since struggling the damage earlier than his return to follow.
How has Messi carried out throughout Copa América?
Messi had an help in Argentina’s 2-0 win of their Copa América opener in opposition to Canada however is scoreless via two matches.
Who does Argentina/Ecuador winner face in Copa América semifinal?
The Argentina/Ecuador winner advances to a semifinal match in opposition to the winner of Friday’s Venezuela/Canada match. The semifinal will likely be performed July 9 inside MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
When are the opposite Copa América quarterfinal matches?
Together with the Argentina-Ecuador match Thursday, the Copa América quarterfinals proceed with one match Friday and conclude with two matches Saturday.
- Venezuela and Canada will meet on Friday at 9 p.m. ET inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- Colombia and Panama will play on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
- Uruguay and Brazil meet on Saturday at 9 p.m. inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
All the matches will likely be broadcast on FS1 in English, Univision/TUDN in Spanish.
Odds to win 2024 Copa America
Argentina is the favourite to win the 2024 Copa América, in response to BetMGM soccer odds. Trying to wager? Try the finest cell sports activities betting apps providing 2024 sports activities betting promos. Listed below are the chances as of Thursday:
- Argentina (+125)
- Brazil (+333)
- Colombia (+550)
- Uruguay (+550)
- Venezuela (+2500)
- Ecuador (+3300)
- Canada (+4000)
- Panama (+10000)
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