Lionel Messi misses penalty but Argentina beat Ecuador to reach semi-finals

The Argentinian tThe team became the first Copa America semi-finalist on Thursday after beating Ecuador 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 90th minute in a close and contested match.

In the semifinal, which will be played Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the current American and world champion will face the winner of the match between Venezuela and Canada, which will be played on Friday.

In the penalty shootout, Julián Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolás Otamendi scored for Argentina, while star Lionel Messi missed the first spot kick.

Goalie Emiliano Martínez took photos Angel Mena and Alan Minda, while John Yeboah and Jordy Caicedo converted for Ecuador.

The 90 minutes were not Argentina's best

During the game played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, Ecuador makes Argentina uncomfortable in the opening minutes with passes behind their defenders for the speed of Jeremy Sarmiento and the mobility of captain Enner Valencia.

Even when Argentina scored a goal to take the lead after a header from Lisandro Martínez in the 35th minute, Enner Valencia Ecuador missed a penalty that could have equalized, but it was in the last minute of added time that Ecuador finally got the equalizer after Kevin Rodriguez scored a goalThings have not gone smoothly for Argentina and they know it.

“They made it difficult for us, we didn't know how to play well, they played a great game, very physical. We knew they were going to be one of the toughest opponents in the Cup. They equalized at the end and we missed the first penalty, which was not a good thing for us,” said “Dibu” Martínez after the game.

“I told the guys I wasn't ready to go home, this group deserved to continue.” Now it's time to rest and regroup before another tough game they face next week.