Argentina had to battle until a penalty shootout to overcome Ecuador (1-1, 4-2 on penalties) in the quarter-finals of the Copa America. In a match that took place on the night of Thursday to Friday, Lionel Scaloni’s men earned themselves a place in the semi-finals. A precious success acquired in part thanks to the heroics of their goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, author of two decisive saves during the fateful session.
If relief prevails after this hard-won victory, one man can blame himself: Lionel Messi. Indeed, the Inter Miami striker saw his shot end up on the crossbar, during a daring panenka attempt, which could well have cost the Albiceleste dearly.
Messi anoints Martinez
A personal failure that was difficult to accept for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, but which did not prevent his team from reaching the next round. “A lot of anger, told The Pulga. I was convinced to shoot it like that. I had spoken with Dibu (Martínez, editor’s note), with Rulli, I had taken some penalties. I had not practiced it, but I had spoken with them. I had crossed several shots, and besides the goalkeeper crossed, I tried to touch the ball and it went high.
The Argentine captain nevertheless wanted to highlight the performance of the Aston Villa goalkeeper. “I knew that Dibu is always there in these moments, he loves these moments, he becomes big, added Messi. Even before the game, I was joking that if there were penalties, we would be calm. It’s lucky that when we get to this stage, we have an advantage.”
