Lionel Messi MISSES his punishment however Argentina actually arrive at Copa America elimination rounds as title holders endure a cheeky shootout to beat Ecuador in Houston

It took more time than Argentina might have trusted, however progression came for them regardless in a tight undertaking against Ecuador.

The strained match highlighted Argentina opening the scoring when Lisandro Martinez gestured home a headed pass from Alexis Macintosh Allister in the main half.

Yet, on the doorstep of full time, Kevin Rodriguez balanced for La Tri to compel a punishment shootout.

It was in that shootout that Nicolas Otamendi opened home a game-dominating punishment to see La Albiceleste advance to the elimination rounds.

There, they will play the victor of Friday’s match among Venezuela and Canada, a group Argentina previously beat 2-0. Argentine chief Lionel Messi will expect to add more to his enriched prize bureau and this success will see him draw one stage nearer to that assignment.

Lionel Messi and Argentina are advancing to the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America

A headed objective from Lisandro Martinez (25) was everything that was expected of La Albiceleste

Through the initial 20 or so minutes, Ecuador appeared as though they had energy on their side over the defending champs of the competition.

Indeed, even at halftime, they held a slight benefit over Argentina in anticipated objectives (0.50-0.49) regardless of holding less belonging.

Argentina’s advancement fell off a corner when Enzo Fernandez’s shot was obstructed and went over the end line.

The corner whipped in by Messi was addressed by Alexis Macintosh Allister – impeccably played straight behind the Liverpool midfielder into open space.

That region was quickly filled by an approaching Lisandro Martinez, who neatly headed the ball into the net for a 1-0 Argentina lead.

Bodies flew only five minutes into the final part as Messi, Moises Caicedo, Christian Romero, and another Argentina player hit the deck.

After an extensive interruption, Argentina took a stab at multiplying their benefit – yet Lautaro Martinez saw his shot go wide.

A fragment of light came for Ecuador in the 60th moment when Alan Franco was pushed down in the case by Rodrigo de Paul and ref Andres Matonte whistled for a punishment.

Ecuador’s kid skipper Enner Valencia gazed intently at Argentina guardian Emi Martinez and couldn’t endure the Argentine brain games. His sluggish moving shot sent the manager the incorrect way yet banged off the post.

Rodrigo De Paul (7) raises his hands pleading innocence after giving away a penalty

Enner Valencia (13) grimaces after he missed a penalty against Argentina at the Copa America

Emiliano Martinez (L) and Lisandro Martinez (R) celebrate after a missed punishment from Ecuador

Martinez went to the group and siphoned his arms in triumph as Valencia was passed on to shake his head. The generally supportive of Argentina swarm recited his moniker ‘Dibu’ in salute.

It was by then where the energy of the game turned almost completely to La Albiceleste – who ruled belonging through the initial 70 minutes.

A Messi free kick prompted a counterattack from Ecuador – however regardless of a couple of crosses, including one that tumbled to Valencia, they didn’t deal with a solitary shot on track.

It appeared to be ordained that Argentina would clutch keep up with their triumph before crowds of fans in Houston as five minutes were added on.

After a rattling of players, Ecuador took a fast free kick. In urgency, a cross was sent into Kevin Rodriguez – who put a head on it. The ball cruised across the plunging group of Emi Martinez and into the net to adjust in the withering seconds.

The match quickly went to punishments – raising the heartrates of everybody in the field.

Up first was Messi, who appeared to be quiet under tension – however did excessively. His Panenka endeavor hit off the crossbar and went over for a miss.

Emi Martinez recovered his commander with an initial save money on Holy messenger Mena to send NRG Arena into euphoria.

Substitute Julian Alvarez put his endeavor over the outstretched arms of attendant Alexander Dominguez as Ecuador’s Alan Minda had his endeavor saved with the left glove of Martinez.

Cycle three began with Alexis Macintosh Allister smoothly opening his shot into the right side netting as John Yeboah at last scored the primary Ecuador punishment of the evening.

Gonzalo Montiel, the one who won Argentina the World Cup, smoothly opened his away – compelling Ecuador into a sink or swim took shots at the boot of Jordy Caicedo. Caicedo booted his endeavor down the center to keep his country alive.

With the opportunity to progress, up ventured Nicolas Otamendi. He snuck his shot past the jumping Dominguez and Argentina progressed to the elimination rounds at MetLife Arena in New Jersey.