Martínez Saves Argentina After Messi Misses Copa América Penalty

As they battled to a win, Argentina perhaps played their poorest Copa America game.

After a contentious and close encounter that ended in a 4-2 penalty shootout victory against Ecuador, the team advanced to Thursday's Copa América.

On Tuesday, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the current American and global champion will play in the semifinals against the victor of Friday's match between Venezuela and Canada.

Lionel Messi missed the first penalty kick, but Argentina's Julián Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolás Otamendi scored.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez saved attempts from Ángel Mena and Alan Minda, but Ecuador scored via John Yeboah and Jordy Caicedo.

Argentina didn't precisely shine for the whole match

The quick Jeremy Sarmiento and nimble skipper Enner Valencia of Ecuador caused Argentina problems in the opening minutes of the encounter at the N.R.G. stadium in Houston, Texas.

Enner Valencia missed a penalty that might have knotted the match in the 35th minute, even though Argentina took the lead on a header from Lisandro Martínez. However, Ecuador managed to equalize in the last minute of stoppage time via Kevin Rodríguez. Argentina is well aware of the challenges that were encountered.

"They made it difficult for us; we couldn't play very well. They played a great game, and it was very physical. We knew they would be one of the toughest rivals in the Cup. They tied us in the end, and we missed the first penalty, which was wrong for us. uphill," "Dibu" Martínez said after the game.

"I told the guys that I wasn't ready to go home; this group deserved to continue." Now it's time to rest and regroup before another complicated matchup they will face next week.

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