International sports

Emi Martinez saves Lionel Messi: Watch how Argentina beat Ecuador on penalties in COPA America

Emi Martinez saved two penalties to spare Lionel Messi’s blushes as Argentina advanced to the Copa America semifinal

Argentina are yet to hit their best in Copa America. La Albiceleste have been loose at times, a shadow of their World Cup-winning selves. But Thursday evening, another lacklustre performance proved to be enough, as the reigning champions beat Ecuador on penalties 4-2 after a 1-1 draw on regulation to secure a semifinal spot.

Lionel Messi struggled through the contest, failing to make a mark – and missing a spot-kick, again. Still, those around him were decisive, with Emi Martinez saving two efforts to send Argentina through.

La Albicelste found the breakthrough after 35 minutes, with Lisandro Martinez nodding home at the far post off a well-worked corner routine. Enzo Fernandez could have made it two before halftime but dragged an effort narrowly wide.

They seemed sure to have won it in normal time, but Kevin Rodriguez’s glancing header in second-half stoppage-time sent the contest to penalties.

Messi missed Argentina’s first, but Martinez stood firm – and the rest of La Albiceleste converted to secure a fifth-straight semifinal spot.

Watch the match highlights below

Source: goal.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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