His panenka could have resembled that of Zinedine Zidane, in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, but fate had other plans. This Thursday, Lionel Messi sent his right onto the crossbar. Argentina still qualified for the semi-finals of the Copa America after the penalty shootout against Ecuador (1-1, 4-2).
Lionel Messi was the first shooter of this session. His failure did not destabilize the other Argentine strikers, since Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel and then Nicolás Otamendi all converted their attempts. As is often the case, the Albiceleste took advantage of the exploits of their goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, a specialist in the exercise.
VIDEO. Lionel Messi’s missed panenka seen from the stadium stands
The Aston Villa goalkeeper saved two Ecuadorian shots during the session. He had already shone in the 2022 World Cup final against the French team, or against Lille, this season in the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League.
During regulation time, the Argentinians opened the scoring in the 35th minute. Lisandro Martinez took a corner taken by Lionel Messi, first extended with a header by Alexis Mac Allister. Ecuador created several chances during the match, and even missed a penalty (59th). But they ended up equalizing in added time (90th + 5), thanks to Kevin Rodriguez.
