4 Worst Panenka Penalties After Lionel Messi Misses for Argentina in Copa America

• Defending champions Argentina are through to the semi-final of the 2024 Copa America after beating Ecuador on penalties
• The match went straight to penalties after Ecuador equalised in the 91st minute, and Lionel Messi missed the first spot-kick
• Emiliano Martinez stepped up for Argentina and saved his captain's blushes by saving the first two Ecuadorian penalties

Argentina are through to the semi-finals of the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America after a penalty shootout victory over Ecuador following a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes.

Extra time has been excluded from Copa America games and knockout stages except for the final, which will now head straight to penalties. Ecuador equalised against Argentina in the 91st minute.

In his usual manner, Lionel Messi stepped up to take the first spot-kick for the defending champions but unfortunately missed after attempting a ridiculous panenka.

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Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved Ecuador's first two penalties to give his team a fighting chance, which they took, also saving Messi's reputation.

Sports Brief looks at four of the most recent worst panenka penalties after the Argentina captain’s miss.

Worst Panenka penalties before Messi’s miss

1. Bernardo Silva

The Portuguese attacker made this ridiculous attempt in the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid. Andriy Lunin easily collected it after Kepa Arrizabalaga had hinted him that Silva goes through the middle.

2. Sergio Aguero

City players have a knack for missing when it matters. Aguero’s ridiculous panenka attempt against Chelsea in 2021 was easily saved by Édouard Mendy. Although it didn't stop City from winning the Premier League, it set them on a path to lose three straight games to Chelsea, including the UCL final.

3. Ademola Lookman

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The Nigerian striker was on loan at Fulham from RB Leipzig in 2020. He had the opportunity to secure a point against Fulham with a last-minute penalty but attempted a ridiculous panenka. Fulham were relegated, and his loan was not made permanent.

4. Javier Hernandez

Chicharito cost Los Angeles Galaxy all three points and also denied himself a hat-trick with a poor panenka, which Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper easily saved. The Mexican took responsibility for the incident.

Lionel Messi’s fitness concerns

Sports Brief reported an update on Lionel Messi’s fitness provided by head coach Lionel Scaloni during his pre-match conference before the quarter-final clash.

The captain sat out the final group game against Peru due to a muscle injury. His team won in his absence, thanks to two goals from Lautaro Martinez.