Argentina reaches Copa America semifinals

HOUSTON: Lionel Messi stepped up to take Argentina’s first penalty kick in a Copa America shootout against Ecuador, just like he did in the 2022 World Cup final victory over France.

Only this time, Messi hit the crossbar, jeopardizing a trip to the semifinals.

“I was pretty upset,” he said, “but at the same time I was secure.”

He had confidence in goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who saved Argentina’s bid for a second straight Copa America title,

Martínez stopped shootout attempts by Ángel Mena and Alan Minda, and Argentina advanced to the Copa America semifinals with a 4-2 victory on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw Thursday night

“We know what Dibu is capable of, that he really thrives on those moments. He really enjoys them,” Messi said about Martínez, using the goalkeeper’s nickname.

Argentina conceded a tying goal to Ecuador in second-half injury time but rebound and won the quarterfinal when Nicolás Otamendi beat Alexander Domínguez with the winning kick.

“I wasn’t ready to go home,” Martínez said. “This team deserved to advance. They complicated us a lot. They played a great match, very physical. We knew they were one of the top rivals in Copa America.”

Seeking its third straight major title, Argentina advanced to the semifinals for the fifth straight Copa America and will play Venezuela or Canada on Tuesday at East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina is looking to win a record 16th Copa America championship.

“Our goalkeeper came up clutch,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said through an interpreter.