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 in entrance of 69,456 individuals at NRG Stadium in Houston to advance to the semifinal.
Messi walked up with the ball in his hand and lined up Argentina’s first kick to set the tone. And he missed it. His chip shot down the center was preferrred, however the ball tipped the crossbar and went over the web. Messi stated he tried the kick in that style, after consulting with Argentina’s two goalies.
“Loads of anger, plenty of anger,” Messi stated of his penalty miss. “I simply needed to the touch it and it went excessive.”
The contact from Messi’s legendary left foot was simply off. He wasn’t as sharp as he’s recognized to be, and wanted to be within the second. Maybe, a residual impact from lacking a recreation and rehabilitating a proper groin/adductor harm up to now 9 days.
Messi spoiled an opportunity to ship one other legendary second, and elevate Messi Mania to a different top for his legion of Argentine followers and followers everywhere in the world.
However Messi’s miss didn’t discourage the Argentine nationwide group, the defending Copa America 2021 and World Cup 2022 champions. They’ve been in way more hostile conditions earlier than, they usually delivered for Messi. In any case, Messi was the explanation Argentina led for a lot of the match.
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 shut the door on Ecuador.
The Argentinians celebrated in music and dance, whereas Ecuador woefully accepted defeat after their thrilling comeback. Argentina will meet the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between Venezuela and Canada on July 9.
“The group feels blind confidence of their goalkeeper and for us it’s basic. Even when Leo failed, the group knew that one thing constructive was going to occur,” Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni stated of the victory.
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.
John Yeboah and Jordy Caicedo scored within the penalty shootout, whereas Caicedo missed an opportunity on objective within the closing minutes.
Ecuador’s Enner Valencia missed a golden alternative to tie the match within the 62nd minute, however his poor type led to his penalty kick ricocheting off the left submit.
“Our gamers gave it their all,” Ecuador coach Félix Sánchez stated. “We acquired the equalizer, however sadly we had been eradicated within the shootout.”
Earlier than the game-tying objective, it appeared Argentina would simply navigate its method to the semifinals.
Messi made his mark with a nook kick close to the web by defender Lisandro Martínez within the thirty fifth minute. Messi’s kick from the proper aspect was wanting the objective space, however Alexis Mac Allister used his head to ship the ball backward the place Martínez was ready to attain.
Messi missed a proper boot within the second half, his solely shot of the match. He stays scoreless by three video games throughout this Copa America, however had an help in Argentina’s first match. He additionally turned the Copa America record-holder for many minutes performed within the match throughout the match.
Messi performed your entire match, consulting with Scaloni on the sidelines about his taking part in time. It was his first recreation in 9 days after Argentina’s 1-0 win towards Chile on June 25 in New Jersey when he was first injured. He didn’t play in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Peru final Saturday in Miami to relaxation his groin, and returned as a full follow participant up to now two days.
We’ll see if Messi can pull by for his adoring and aspiring followers with a objective or two earlier than Copa America is over.
Solely two matches stay till Messi and Argentina can increase one other trophy, and add one other championship to their reigning soccer dynasty.
This is how the Argentina-Ecuador match unfolded Thursday in Houston:
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 virtually ended it, however Jordy Caicedo missed this opportunity.
We’re going to a penalty shootout to determine this match for a visit to the Copa America semifinals.
Ecuador shocks Argentina with late objective by Kevin Rodríguez: Argentina 1, Ecuador 1
This recreation isn’t over simply but, and penalty kicks may very well 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, together with his proper foot as an alternative 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 document: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Messi has set one other document in his profession: Most minutes performed throughout Copa America. He set the document within the 66th minute, taking part in his 3,063rd minute all-time within the match.
Enner Valencia misses penalty kick: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Ecuador simply missed a golden alternative to tie this match with Enner Valencia lacking a essential penalty kick off the left submit.
Even with Argentine goalie Dibu Martinez guessing the fallacious aspect of the web to defend, Argentina will get fortunate.
A handball by Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul was the penalty.
Lautaro Martinez takes a swing, misses large: Argentina 1, Ecuador 0
Lautaro Martinez, the main objective scorer in Copa America, took a swing at a shot towards the web, however his kick was large of the left submit. 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 harm, 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 objective: 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 large proper exterior the submit.
Ecuador’s protection has been stifling throughout 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 objective: 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 objective within the membership’s group-stage matches.
Ecuador will get an early probability towards internet: 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 group 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 dwell stream?
The Argentina vs. Ecuador match on Thursday will probably be broadcast by FOX (in English) and on Univision/TUDN (in Spanish).
FOX Sports will present dwell streams for Copa América matches. Matches additionally might 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 harm, may very well be restricted. It might be rash to push him for a full 90-minute match except he needed 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 nicely, and the captain feels good to begin,” TYCSports insider Gaston Edul reported before the game.
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 stated 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 feel it’s truthful to attend till the final second,” Scaloni stated, referring to Messi going by one other follow Wednesday. “I feel it’s truthful that he ought to take is time and prepare as a lot as doable. So after the coaching, somewhat, earlier than, I’ll discuss to him after which we’ll make the choice.”
How has Messi progressed from harm?
Messi participated in his second full follow together with his Argentine teammates in Houston on Wednesday evening, in the future after his first. He was a restricted follow participant on Monday. Messi labored solely with a coach since struggling the harm 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 towards Canada however is scoreless by two matches.
Who does Argentina/Ecuador winner face in Copa América semifinal?
The Argentina/Ecuador winner advances to a semifinal match towards the winner of Friday’s Venezuela/Canada match. The semifinal will probably 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.
The entire matches will probably 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? Take a look at the best mobile sports betting apps providing 2024 sports betting promos. Listed here 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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