Lionel Messi: What Argentina Captain Said After Missing Panenka Penalty at Copa America 2024

• Argentina beat Ecuador 4-2 on post-match penalties to move into the semi-finals of the Copa America late on Thursday
• Emiliano Martinez made two saves in the shootout, saving the blushes of Lionel Messi, who missed his side's first spot kick
• Having failed to find the back of the net in as many games played, the 37-year-old will look to make amends in the semis

Lionel Messi has broken his silence after missing a penalty during Argentina's quarter-final victory against Ecuador on Thursday, July 4, at the NRG Stadium in Houston.

The legendary play-maker has not been in his usual scintillating form at this year's Copa America, even as his team delivered near-perfect performances.

Having dealt with injuries, Messi was fit enough to return to La Albiceleste’s starting XI after missing their final group match. However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner struggled to make a significant impact.

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Despite this, the 37-year-old's perfectly placed corner kick was headed on by Alexis Mac Allister, leading to a goal by Lisandro Martinez, giving Argentina a 1-0 advantage.

Messi misses penalty, but Argentina triumph

Kevin Rodriguez later scored a stoppage-time equaliser for Ecuador, pushing the game into a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Messi was the first to step up but missed with a panenka that hit the crossbar, per USA Today.

Fortunately for him, his teammates ensured victory by securing a 4-2 win, with Nicolas Otamendi scoring the decisive penalty.

What Messi said after missing the penalty

Messi expressed his frustration, stating he was very angry because he had insisted on taking the penalty kick in a specific manner, which he had previously discussed with his teammates.

"I was very angry because I insisted on taking the penalty kick this way. I discussed this with Dibu and Rulli," he told reporters, as quoted by FCBAlbiceleste.

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What's next for Messi and Argentina?

Following their triumph over La Tri, Argentina will face the winner of Friday's match between Venezuela and Canada, a team they previously defeated 2-0.

The Argentine captain is aiming to add more silverware to his illustrious career, and this victory moves him one step closer to that goal.

Lionel Messi sets unwanted record

In the same match, Lionel Messi set an unwanted record, as reported by Sports Brief.

The veteran forward had his lowest influence in an Argentina game in more than 13 years.

Messi only registered 32 ball touches against Ecuador, his fewest competitively since 2011.