Messi missed a penalty as a record, but Argentina still reached the semi-finals of the Copa America

The Argentine national team is in the semi-finals with penalty kicks

The defending champion took the lead in the 35th minute with a header from Lisandro Martinez. In the 62nd minute, Enner Valencia might have equalized, but his penalty hit the post. In the 92nd minute, Kevin Rodríguez equalized with a header, so – as according to the rules of the tournament, extra time is only possible in the final – the penalty shootout was allowed.

From the Argentines, Lionel Messi hit the crossbar, but Emiliano Martínez saved two shots, so even if it was more difficult than expected, the world champion advanced. Messi set a record in this match: he has now spent the most time on the pitch in the history of the Copa America.

The Argentine national team has been unbeaten for nine games, but its eight-game winning streak has been interrupted. The last time Ecuador was able to beat Argentina was in October 2015, since then they have six defeats and two draws once morest Messi.

Argentina will face either Venezuela or Canada in the semi-finals.

Result, quarter final:

• Argentina-Ecuador 1-1 (1-0) – with penalties: 4-2